Fr. Lawrence Mick in his guide to participating at Mass, Worshiping Well, notes, "Many Catholics view the Liturgy of  the Word as some kind of Catholic version of Sunday School," like an educational experience instead of a spiritual one.

Pope Francis’ recent amendment to Canon Law allowing women to be instituted as lectors and acolytes has caused more media attention than church action. In most American dioceses, formal installment of these ministries has not been common. And since it’s only been open to men in the past, the extent to which women will pursue this accreditation will remain to be seen.