This Lectionary adheres to the liturgical norms of the church as set out in the General Instruction on the Roman Missal and in the Directory for Masses with Children. With the approval of the Liturgy Commission of the Irish Episcopal Conference, the Good News translation of the Scriptures is used. It is very suitable for use at family and school Masses.

The readings in The Columba Lectionary are normally preceded by a preparation, which focuses the attention of the children and their parents on some aspect of the reading, before the formal proclamation.