Institution of Lectors

This past Sunday, 01/15/06, I was instituted as lector, or reader along with most of the other men in my class. A majority of us have already read (proclaimed) for many years the Word of God (excluding the Gospel reading which is reserved for a deacon or priest) during Mass but being installed as a lector means that the Church Herself, through a bishop, has instituted us. It has a universal character and it is a special ministry in preparation of sacred orders (the deaconate but ultimately priesthood).

This is a step closer to ordination for me in that I conform my life more and more towards Holy Scripture and be the instrument of God as he uses my voice to reach His people through His living words.

“Aware of the office he has undertaken, the reader is to make every effort and employ suitable means to acquire that increasingly warm and living love (see Dei Verbum no. 25) and knowledge of Scripture that will make him a more perfect disciple of the Lord.”
Ministeria quaedam
August 15, 1972, Pope Paul VI

Below are the words spoken by Archbishop John Michael Miller C.S.B, Secretary of Catholic Education, to me as I held the lectionary (the book of readings for the Mass):

“Take this book of Holy Scripture and be faithful in handing on the Word of God, so that it may grow strong in the hearts of his people.”
My response: “Amen.”