Congratulations to Diocese of Lansing seminarians Joshua Fons and Riley O'Shea who took another step towards the sacred priesthood on Friday, October 28, Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, when they received the ministry of acolyte at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. Deo gratias. Joshua hails from the parish of Christ the King in Ann Arbor while Riley is from Saint Michael in Grand Ledge.
Congratulations also to their fellow seminarians who received the ministry of Lector: Jon Bokuniewicz, Saint Augustine, Howell; Brett Ivey, Saint Mary, Williamston; Randy Koenigsknecht, Most Holy Trinity, Fowler; Daniel LaCroix, Christ the King, Ann Arbor; Joshua Luttig, Most Holy Trinity, Fowler; and Christian Salata, Christ the King, Ann Arbor.
The merry band of seminarians are pictured with Father Zach Mabee and Father Pieter van Rooyen, priests of the Diocese of Lansing and faculty members at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, as well as proud pastors: Father Jim Eisle, Saint Michael, Grand Ledge; Father David Fons, Saint Mary, Williamston, Father Ed Fride, Christ the King, Ann Arbor. Also pictured is Father Anthony Strouse, Pastor of Saint Pius X and Saint Matthew in Flint.
Lectorate, or the Ministry of Reader, is the first of the ministries that seminarians receive on their way to priestly ordination. Primarily, he is appointed to read from Sacred Scripture, with the exception of the Holy Gospels, during Holy Mass and other liturgical celebrations.
Meanwhile, the job of an acolyte is primarily associated with assisting the priest and deacon during Holy Mass, however they will also bring the Blessed Sacrament to the sick and housebound as well as distributing communion during Mass. Amongst other duties, acolytes may also, under the guidance of the priest, present instruction to the faithful.
Please keep these young men in your prayers in the weeks and months to come. Saint Charles Borromeo, patron of seminarians, pray for them.