On December 6, 2023, nine seminarians in formation at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary were instituted into the Ministry of Lector by the Most Reverend Kevin J. Sweeney, Bishop of the Diocese of Paterson, New Jersey.
These men are: Christopher A. Aubrey, Diocese of Worcester; Giris Y. Azize, Archdiocese of Boston; Stephen L. Baruffi, Archdiocese of Boston; Gerard T. Foley, Diocese of Brooklyn; Paul L. Landi, Diocese of Beaumont; Thomas J. McKinley, Diocese of Paterson; Marc J. Morano, Diocese of Paterson; A. Thomas Rashid, Archdiocese of Boston; Nicholas E. Wencis, Diocese of Manchester.
Those in formation to be ordained as Catholic priests must serve in the Ministry of Lector in order to prepare them for their future role as proclaimers of the Word of God through their work in the community and through the celebration of Mass and other liturgical rites. The principal duties of the lector at a Sunday Mass are to proclaim the first and second readings. In the absence of a deacon, the lector may carry the Gospel Book to the altar in the entrance procession and proclaim the petitions for the Universal Prayer. The lector may also lead the responsorial psalm in the absence of a cantor. These new responsibilities are reflected in the words that the Bishop announced – “You will proclaim that word in the liturgical assembly, instruct children and adults in the faith and prepare them to receive the sacraments worthily.”
We offer our congratulations to these men and pray that their new roles as lectors will enable them to further pursue their preparation to become priests and serve the faithful.
