Here are some great images of Diocese of Lansing seminarian, Jacob Derry, being conferred with the Ministry of Lector in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at the Pontifical North American College, Rome, on 15 January, the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Jacob, who hails from the parish of St John the Evangelist in Fenton, was joined by 24 other seminarians for the sacred ceremony which was presided over by His Eminence Arthur Cardinal Roche, Prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
What’s a lector? A lector is appointed to read the Word of God in the liturgical assembly and, accordingly, reads the lesson from Sacred Scripture, except the Gospel, at Holy Mass and in other sacred celebrations. Here are Jacob’s recollections of a memorable day. He writes:
“It is a great joy to receive the Ministry of Lector. Even in the days leading up to institution, I could already see how this ministry was drawing me even deeper into God's Word and giving me a renewed appreciation for the Holy Scriptures. God has spoken!
“As Hebrews 1:1-2 tells us: ‘In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he spoke to us through a son, whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe’. Yes, God has spoken to us, his beloved children and to all of humanity, in a clear and definitive way through his son Jesus. That's exciting! What a gift to be able to acknowledge that and generously share that with others.”
“Likewise, Fr. Kurt Belsole O.S.B., our Director of Liturgical Formation at the seminary, reminded my class that it is Christ himself who speaks (present tense) when the Word is read in the liturgy. Hearing that made me stop and reflect to myself, ‘am I truly approaching Mass with an open and listening heart, ready to take in the words of Christ?’”
“I am both profoundly humbled and grateful for the gift of being instituted as a lector. Thank you for your prayers and support as I continue on this journey and begin proclaiming the Word.”
Please keep Jacob and all Diocese of Lansing seminarians in your prayers. Saint Charles Borromeo, patron of seminarians, pray for them.
