New Lectionary for England and Wales

The Catholic Bishop’s of England and Wales, (and the Scottish Bishop’s Conference,) have resolved that from the 1st Sunday of Advent 2024 (2nd December) the readings we hear at Mass will change to a new translation using the English Standard Version - Catholic Edition (ESV-CE) Bible, from the existing Jerusalem Bible translation.

Over the last few months, Parishes, Chapels, Schools and individuals will have purchased new copies of the 4 volumes that make up the Lectionary book and the Book of the Gospels and new Sunday People’s Missal. The old editions using the Jerusalem translation are not permitted to be used at Mass once the 1st Sunday of Advent arrives. The Roman Missal and other books are unchanged.

It is fitting that the new books be blessed before their use, so the Bishops of England and Wales have released a short ritual to be used on the 1st Sunday of Advent inserted between the Collect and First Reading if desired.

This was originally released on this page of the Catholic Bishop’s Conference website. We have converted this to a printable format ready to use at Mass for you.

Download: Microsoft Word Format, PDF Format.

You can find out more about the new Lectionary on the dedicated Lectionary section of the Catholic Bishops Conference website and on the Liturgy Office website.