Ministry of Lector, on the Way to the Diaconate

Our parish congratulates Salvatore Petro, a candidate for the Diaconate who yesterday, February 2, was instituted into the Ministry of Lector from His Excellency, Bishop David O’Connell at the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption.

In the Church’s history, Lector (Reader) was considered one of the “minor orders,” that is to say, a step in preparation for the reception of Holy Orders. Today it is called a ministry and remains a step toward ordination to the diaconate and priesthood.

A lector is appointed to

• Read the word of God, except for the gospel, in the liturgical assembly;
• Recite the psalm between the readings when there is no psalmist;
• Present the intentions for the Universal Prayer in the deacon’s absence;
• Direct the singing and the participation by the faithful;
• Instruct the faithful for the worthy reception of the sacraments;
• Prepare others who are appointed on a temporary basis to be readers.

 
Lord God, bless Salvatore, who has been chosen for the ministry of reader.
Grant that as he meditates on your word
he may grow in its wisdom
and faithfully proclaim it your people..