Here are some great images of Diocese of Lansing seminarian, Joseph Kelly, being conferred with the Ministry of Lector in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at the Pontifical North American College, Rome, Sunday, January 12.
“By the faithfulness and commitment in your proclamation of the Word of God, the faithful will come to know how strongly you yourself believe in the word that you proclaim,” said Archbishop John J. Kennedy, Secretary of the Dicastery for the Doctrine, who conferred the ministry upon Joseph and 33 other seminarians.
Joseph hails from the parish of Saint John the Baptist in Ypsilanti. He was joined for yesterday's occasion by three fellow Diocese of Lansing seminarians, Jacob Derry, Thomas Crowley and Joseph Wilberding, as well as by Diocese of Lansing priest, Father Peter Ludwig, who is currently undertaking further studies in Rome.
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.
As part of the rite, Archbishop Kennedy placed the Holy Scriptures in the hands of each candidate and said, “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.”
The new lectors are currently in their first year of theological formation for the priesthood, will have three additional years of theological, spiritual, and pastoral formation before being ordained to the sacred priesthood in their home dioceses, Deo volente.
Please keep Joseph and all Diocese of Lansing seminarians in your prayers. Saint Charles Borromeo, patron of seminarians, pray for them.
