Lectionary vs. Sacramentary — What's the Difference?

A lectionary (Latin: lectionarium) is a book or listing that contains a collection of scripture readings appointed for Christian or Judaic worship on a given day or occasion. There are sub-types such as a "gospel lectionary" or evangeliary, and an epistolary with the readings from the New Testament Epistles.

In the Latin Catholic Church, a sacramentary was a book used for liturgical services and Mass by a priest, containing all and only the words spoken or sung by him. Compared to a missal, which carries all texts and readings read by the priest and others during Mass, a sacramentary omits the texts and readings said by everyone other than the priest, but also includes texts for services other than Mass.

A book or list of lections to be read at church services during the year.

Of or pertaining a sacrament or the sacraments; sacramental.

(Christianity) A book or listing that contains a collection of readings for Christian worship.

Of or pertaining to the Sacramentarians.

A book, or a list, of lections, for reading in divine service.

(Roman Catholicism) An ancient book of the Roman Catholic Church, containing the rites for Mass, the sacraments, etc.

Of or pertaining to a sacrament or the sacraments; sacramental.

Of or pertaining to the Sacramentarians.

An ancient book of the Roman Catholic Church, written by Pope Gelasius, and revised, corrected, and abridged by St. Gregory, in which were contained the rites for Mass, the sacraments, the dedication of churches, and other ceremonies. There are several ancient books of the same kind in France and Germany.