Q: Dear Fr Paul, greetings (once again!) from the UK! A priest colleague has just moved, and has now begun his ministry in a new parish. He has inherited there a curious custom of two ambos: one for most of the Liturgy of the Word and notices etc, and one solely for the Gospel. I presume the idea of separating the elements of the L of the W like this is a hangover from the old rite and I understand the desire to somehow promote and exalt the Gospel by treating it differently (as we already do in the liturgy)… However, can you advise on appropriate liturgical custom, please? He feels (as do I) that the whole L of the W should be a unity and, thus, celebrated from the same ambo. The other could, perhaps, be used for a non-liturgical function (such as announcements, Mass appeals etc) or for the priest—as an aid to his role of presiding. Any thoughts/suggestions, please?
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A: I completely agree with the way you’re thinking. The two ambos are probably a holdover from preconciliar practice. The rubrics now call for a single ambo reserved for only certain activities (GIRM 309). Announcements and Mass appeals should be made from a different station. As you suggest, it could also be an aid to presiding; for example, holding the missal and other notes at the presider’s chair.
You’re also correct that the rubrics already draw plenty of attention to the gospel: procession, optional candles and incense, book of the gospels, change of posture, its own acclamation, the greeting of the people, the restriction of the minister who may proclaim it.
A Baptist friend visiting my parish years ago said, “You make it look as though the gospel is more important than the other readings.” Exactly.