Does a lodge secretary have power to assign roles for rituals? Or is a power only limited to the DOC?
The power to assign roles for rituals in a Masonic lodge is not exclusively limited to the Director of Ceremonies (DOC). While the DOC is primarily responsible for the smooth execution of ceremonial and ritual proceedings, the Worshipful Master also has significant authority in this area. The Worshipful Master is responsible for all aspects of the lodge's life and work, including the execution of rituals and ceremonies. He presides over all business of the lodge and is vested with considerable powers without further reference to the members. This includes the authority to assign roles and duties for rituals, although in practice, this is often delegated to the DOC or other officers.
In practice, the assignment of roles for rituals is often a collaborative effort between the Worshipful Master and the DOC. The Worshipful Master sets the overall direction and ensures that all necessary tasks are accomplished, while the DOC focuses on the specific details of the ritual execution.