Is there a difference between a presider and a celebrant?
The short answer
No — both words name the one who offers the Mass, so only a priest or bishop can be either. "Presider" is newer and stresses that the priest leads; "celebrant" is older and stresses that he is the one who chiefly celebrates. Either term is correct.
Two names, one role
"Presider" and "celebrant" are synonyms for the person offering the Mass. Only a priest or a bishop can fill that role.
Shades of meaning
"Presider" is the more recent term and suggests that the priest takes the lead in offering the Mass. "Celebrant" is older and suggests that the priest is the one who primarily celebrates it. Some now prefer "presider" to signal that the congregation should take an active part in the liturgy, as befits the laity.
Which to use
Either term is correct.
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