Q: My community is building a new monastery that includes a chapel. We are looking at options for the readings for the Mass of Dedication of our new chapel, Of course we will be working with our diocesan Office for Worship on this, and so we are doing some preparation in anticipation of those meetings.

The Order of Dedication of a Church recommends lectionary readings for this liturgy. I understand that the First Reading from Nehemiah and the Responsorial Psalm from Ps 19 are required. Recommendations for the Second reading and the Gospel are also given – saying that one “may choose” from these.  My questions is: Are the readings presented in no. 702 (Easter Season) no. 704 and no. 706 the only options? Our dedication will most likely be during the Easter Season, but would it be possible to choose one of the readings suggested in no. 704 instead? Would we be able to choose a different Gospel from those suggested? 

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A: My opinion is that you may choose other options than those in 704 and 706—but that is just my opinion. Your diocesan office of worship may have a different view.

The Easter readings in 702 are for celebrations on the anniversary of the dedication of the church—not for the dedication itself. You correctly note that even in Easter Time the first reading and psalm are required for the dedication Mass.

That said, the readings in 704 and 706 are quite lovely. I’ve written a commentary and reflections on them in my books New Church, New Altar and Our Church, Our Altar.

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