The Common of Pastors

The Common of Pastors is a special set of readings used during Mass for the feast days of priests, bishops, and popes. These readings reflect the themes of service, ministry, and shepherding the people of God. On feast days, the Church honors those who have faithfully led and guided the faithful, and the readings focus on their role as pastors.

Not all saints have specific readings for their feast days. When this happens, the presider chooses readings from the Common of Pastors. These readings remind us of the call to serve God, to lead others in faith, and to spread the Gospel.

The readings from the Old Testament tell of God calling leaders like Moses, Samuel, David, and the prophets. They emphasize how God chooses and equips those who serve Him, often looking at the heart, not outward appearances.

The New Testament readings focus on the mission of the Church. They speak about spreading the Good News, staying faithful, and serving the people of God with love and humility. These readings inspire those in ministry to continue their work with dedication and faith.

The Common of Pastors provides several options for the first reading during feast days honoring priests, bishops, and popes. These readings focus on God’s call to leadership and the responsibilities that come with serving His people. Each passage emphasizes themes like faithfulness, service, and guiding others in truth. The readings remind us of the vital role pastors play in leading the Church, caring for the faithful, and spreading God’s message. These scriptures inspire those called to ministry to follow God’s will with courage and humility.

• When it is not the Easter season:
  • Exodus 32:7-14: Moses pleaded with God to spare the Israelites, reminding him of his promises to their ancestors, and the LORD relented from destroying them.
  • Deuteronomy 10:8-9: The LORD set apart the Levites to carry the ark, serve him, and bless in his name. Their inheritance is not land, but the LORD himself.
  • 1 Samuel 16:1, 6-13: God sent Samuel to anoint David as king, choosing him not for his appearance but for his heart. From that moment, God’s spirit was with David.
  • Isaiah 6:1-8: Isaiah sees the Lord on his throne, feels unworthy, but is cleansed by a seraphim. When God calls for someone to send, Isaiah eagerly volunteers, saying, “Here I am, send me!”
  • Isaiah 52:7-10 (for missionaries): The prophet celebrates the arrival of good news: God’s reign, salvation, and redemption are revealed for all nations to see, bringing joy and peace to Jerusalem.
  • Isaiah 61:1-3a: The LORD’s anointed is sent to proclaim freedom, heal the brokenhearted, and comfort those who mourn, replacing their sorrow with joy and a spirit of praise.
  • Jeremiah 1:4-9: The LORD calls and appoints Jeremiah as a prophet, assuring him not to fear, as the LORD will guide and speak through him, even from his youth.
  • Ezekiel 3:17-21: God appoints the prophet as a watchman, responsible for warning both the wicked and the righteous. Their response determines their fate, but the prophet’s duty is to speak the truth.
  • Ezekiel 34:11-16: The Lord promises to gather his scattered sheep, care for them, and bring them back to good pastures, while seeking justice for the proud and strong.

During the Easter season, the Common of Pastors offers several other options for the first reading at Mass. These readings focus on the mission of spreading the Gospel and guiding the Church. They emphasize the importance of faithful leadership and sharing the message of salvation with others. Through these passages, the Church celebrates the call to ministry, urging pastors to remain vigilant and committed to their role. The Common of Pastors reminds us of the vital work of pastors in proclaiming Christ and leading the faithful with dedication and grace.

• During the Easter season:
  • Acts 13:46-49 (for missionaries): Paul and Barnabas, after being rejected by some, turned to the Gentiles, who joyfully accepted the message of salvation, leading to the spread of the gospel.
  • Acts 20:17-18a, 28-32, 36: Paul warned the Ephesian elders to stay vigilant, guarding the Church against false teachers. He commended them to God’s grace and prayed with them before departing.
  • Acts 26:19-23 (for missionaries): Paul testifies about his mission, preaching repentance and faith in Christ, fulfilling what the prophets and Moses foretold, and sharing the message of salvation with all people.

The Common of Pastors offers various psalms for the Responsorial Psalm during Mass on feast days for priests, bishops, and popes. These psalms express trust in God’s guidance, protection, and faithfulness. They also reflect the themes of leadership, shepherding, and proclaiming God’s greatness. Through these prayers, the Church honors the role of pastors in leading the faithful and spreading the message of salvation. The psalms encourage those in ministry to rely on God’s strength and to remain committed to their calling as shepherds of His people.

• Psalm 16: I trust in God for protection and guidance. He brings joy and leads me to eternal life in his presence.
• Psalm 23: God is my shepherd and protector, guiding me, providing for me, and offering me comfort. His goodness will follow me throughout my life, and I will dwell with him always.
• Psalm 40: God listens to my cry, guiding me to live in obedience. I rejoice in doing his will and openly declare his justice to others, holding nothing back.
• Psalm 89: God’s faithfulness and love are eternal. He promised to establish David’s line forever, strengthening and blessing him with mercy, and David will call God his Father and Savior.
• Psalm 96: Sing and proclaim God’s greatness to all the earth. He governs with justice and glory, and his marvelous works are to be praised by every nation and people.
• Psalm 106: God’s people strayed, forgetting his great works, but Moses interceded and prevented their destruction, asking for the Lord’s continued favor.
• Psalm 110: God promises his chosen one power and authority, affirming him as a priest forever, ruling over enemies and fulfilling the order of Melchizedek with unwavering strength.
• Psalm 117: Praise God, all nations. His love is unwavering, and his faithfulness endures. Share this Good News with all people around the world.

The Common of Pastors offers several second readings for feast days honoring priests, bishops, and popes. These readings focus on the responsibilities of ministry, encouraging pastors to serve with humility, preach the Gospel faithfully, and lead by example. They also emphasize enduring hardships and staying committed to their calling. Through these passages, the Church reminds its leaders to rely on God’s strength, share the message of salvation, and guide the faithful with love and dedication. The readings inspire those in pastoral roles to persevere in their mission and to build up the Church.

• Romans 12:3-13: Serve God humbly, use your gifts for others, love sincerely, honor one another, endure trials, and stay faithful in prayer, helping those in need with generous hearts.
• 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 (for missionaries): The message of the cross, though seen as foolishness by some, reveals the true power and wisdom of God, far surpassing all human understanding.
• 1 Corinthians 4:1-5: We are stewards of Christ, awaiting God’s final judgment. Until the Lord reveals the hidden motives, we should not judge one another.
• 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23: Paul emphasizes his duty to preach the Gospel without seeking reward, becoming a servant to all, hoping to win as many as possible for Christ.
• 2 Corinthians 3:1-6a: Paul explains that their qualification as ministers comes from God, not themselves. The people’s changed hearts serve as a living letter, revealing Christ’s work through the Spirit.
• 2 Corinthians 4:1-2, 5-7: Paul explains their ministry comes from God’s mercy. They preach Jesus, not themselves, and hold God’s glory within them to show His power, not their own.
• 2 Corinthians 5:14-20: Through Christ’s death, we are made new creations. God has reconciled us through Christ and given us the ministry to spread this message of reconciliation to others.
• Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13: Live in humility and love, keeping unity in the Spirit. Christ equips us through various roles to build up the Church until we all reach maturity in faith.
• Colossians 1:24-29: I suffer joyfully for the Church, preaching Christ, the hope of glory, revealed to all people. I labor to teach everyone in wisdom and present them perfect in Christ.
• 1 Thessalonians 2:2b-8: We spoke God’s Gospel to you with love and truth, seeking to please God, and gave ourselves fully because of our deep affection for you.
• 2 Timothy 1:13-14; 2:1-3: Remain strong in Christ, guard the truth you’ve learned, and pass it on to others who can teach and endure hardships for the Gospel.
• 2 Timothy 4:1-5: Preach the word faithfully, endure hardships, and stay committed to your calling, even when people reject the truth and follow their own desires.
• 1 Peter 5:1-4: Lead God’s people eagerly and by example, not for gain or control. When Christ appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

The Common of Pastors offers various Gospel readings for feast days of priests, bishops, and popes. These Gospels focus on Jesus’ call to serve, lead, and spread the Gospel. They highlight the role of pastors as shepherds of God’s people, guiding them with love and humility. The readings also emphasize the importance of following Jesus’ example in ministry, preaching the Good News, and caring for the faithful. Through these passages, the Church celebrates the mission of its leaders and encourages them to continue their work with dedication, compassion, and faithfulness.

• Matthew 9:35-38: Jesus had compassion for the distressed crowds and asked his disciples to pray for more workers to gather the abundant harvest.
• Matthew 16:13-19: (for a pope): Peter declared Jesus as the Christ. Jesus blessed him, saying Peter would be the foundation of the Church and entrusted him with the keys to heaven’s Kingdom.
• Matthew 23:8-12: Jesus teaches his disciples to avoid seeking titles, to serve others humbly, and reminds them that those who humble themselves will be exalted.
• Matthew 28:16-20: (for missionaries): Jesus sent his disciples to make disciples of all nations, promising to be with them always, until the end of time.
• Mark 1:14-20: Jesus called Simon, Andrew, James, and John to follow him and become fishers of people. They left everything immediately and followed him.
• Mark 16:15-20 (for missionaries): Jesus told the disciples to preach the Gospel to all. After ascending to heaven, the disciples preached while the Lord confirmed the message with signs.
• Luke 5:1-11 (for missionaries): Jesus performed a miracle by filling the disciples’ nets with fish. He then called them to follow him, and they left everything behind to become fishers of people.
• Luke 10:1-9: Jesus sent seventy-two disciples to proclaim the Kingdom, instructing them to travel simply, offer peace, heal the sick, and tell people the Kingdom of God is near.
• Luke 22:24-30: Jesus taught the Apostles that true greatness is found in serving others. He promised them a place in his Kingdom, where they will judge the twelve tribes of Israel.
• John 10:11-16: Jesus is the good shepherd who gives his life for his sheep. He knows them, and they know him. He will lead all into one flock.
• John 15:9-17: Jesus commands his disciples to love each other as he loves them. He calls them friends and appoints them to bear lasting fruit, asking the Father for what they need.
• John 21:15-17: (for a pope): Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him, and each time Peter affirmed his love. Jesus then entrusted Peter with the care of his flock.

The Bible

The Bible is a collection of writings filled with wisdom, history, and spiritual guidance. Each book reveals important lessons about faith and life. The Common of Pastors, used on feast days for priests and bishops, draws from these scriptures. It includes readings that focus on serving God, ministry, and being a shepherd to others. Through these readings, we see how leaders are called to care for God’s people, spread the Gospel, and live with humility. The Bible continues to guide us, offering timeless truths and practical wisdom for our lives today.

More About the Lectionary

The Common of Pastors is part of the lectionary. Learn more about how Catholics read from the Bible at Mass. What is the difference between the Bible and a lectionary? How is the lectionary arranged? What translation is used?

What is the Common of Pastors?

The Common of Pastors is a set of readings in the lectionary used at Mass on the feast days of priests, bishops, and popes. These readings focus on themes like serving God, leading the Church, and spreading the Gospel.

When is the Common of Pastors used?

It is used on feast days for pastors, including priests, bishops, and popes. If the saint being honored does not have special readings assigned to them, the Common of Pastors is used.

What do the readings in the Common of Pastors focus on?

The readings in the Common of Pastors talk about ministry, answering God’s call, being a good shepherd, and leading others in faith. They encourage those in pastoral roles to serve with love, humility, and dedication.

Can the presider choose which readings to use from the Common of Pastors?

Yes, the presider can choose from several options for each part of the Mass, like the first reading, psalm, second reading, and the Gospel. This allows flexibility to fit the occasion or focus of the celebration.

Are the readings in the Common of Pastors from both the Old and New Testament?

Yes, there are readings from both the Old Testament and the New Testament in the Common of Pastors. The Old Testament readings often highlight God’s call to leaders like Moses or David. The New Testament readings focus on the mission of Christ’s followers and the work of the Church.

The Common of Pastors is a special set of readings used during Mass for feast days that honor pastors. These include priests, bishops, and popes who serve the Church. The readings are meant to reflect their role in leading, guiding, and caring for the people of God. They focus on themes like ministry, shepherding, and answering God’s call to serve.

The Church uses the Common of Pastors when a saint does not have specific readings assigned for their feast day. The presider can choose from various readings found in both the Old and New Testaments. Each reading offers lessons on how pastors should serve with love, humility, and dedication. They also focus on spreading the Gospel and helping others grow in faith.

Old Testament readings often highlight leaders like Moses, David, and the prophets, showing how God chooses and strengthens those who serve Him. In the New Testament readings, we see the mission of the Church. They speak about being faithful, preaching the Good News, and caring for the spiritual well-being of others.

The psalms and Gospels also fit into this theme of service and guidance. Through these readings, the Church reminds pastors of their important role and encourages them to continue their work with dedication and love for the people of God.

We would love to hear about how the readings from the Common of Pastors inspire you. What stands out to you the most? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comment section below. Your story could encourage others to reflect on the important role pastors play in leading the Church.