MICHIGAN CITY – “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,” said Bishop Robert J. McClory, instructing each of the sixteen diaconate candidates from the Diocese of Gary as he extended the book of sacred Scripture to each man. One by one, each candidate sounded off a resolute “Amen” as they became instituted lectors, officially designated to read the Scriptures in the liturgy.
The Mass of Institution to the Ministry of Lector took place on June 22 at Queen of All Saints with Bishop McClory as celebrant. Attendees included a number of family, friends, and religious who have been supporting the candidates during their journey.
The candidates who were instituted as lectors are Anthony Bondi, Nativity of Our Savior, Portage; Albert Burgos, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Hammond; Frank Gasaway, Queen of All Saints, Michigan City; Bill Grimes, St. Patrick, Chesterton; Robert Gromala, St. John the Evangelist, St. John; Brad Hendrickson, St. Matthias, Crown Point; Doug Noveroske, Notre Dame, Michigan City; Ruben Ortiz, Nativity of Our Savior, Portage; Rob Petro, St. Patrick, Chesterton; Bob Sandilla, Nativity of Our Savior, Portage; Gilbert Sanchez, St. Patrick, Chesterton; Jeff Smolinski, St. John the Evangelist, St. John; Bob Wellinski, Holy Family Parish, LaPorte; Paul Wilk, St. Edward, Lowell; Pete Wood, St. Mary, Kouts; and Bill Zientarski, Queen of All Saints, Michigan City.
The institution to lector is the first of two ministries the men will receive before being ordained as permanent deacons. In September, the candidates will be instituted as acolytes as they continue their journey and discernment leading up to ordination in June 2024.
The ministry of lector institutes those who are properly prepared to proclaim the Scripture readings before the Gospel at liturgical celebrations, to offer the petitions of the general intercessions, to instruct other faithful, who by a temporary appointment are asked to proclaim the Scripture readings in liturgical celebrations, and to help the rest of the Church grow in its knowledge and appreciation of the Scriptures.
During his homily, the bishop stressed the power of the word of God. “The beauty of tonight is that you are being instituted to a ministry that is about proclaiming the word of God. Today, for those of you on the path to holy orders, is a day to say this is never to be taken for granted. The gift of the word of God is so beautiful and my allegiance to proclaiming the word to living the word should be central to my ministry.”
The bishop explained that meditating and proclaiming Scripture must go hand in hand. “In just a few moments I will say to you, ‘In proclaiming God's word to others, accept it yourselves in obedience to the Holy Spirit, meditate on it constantly so that each day you will have a deeper love of the scripture that all you say and do show force to the world, our savior Jesus Christ.’ It's not just to read it, but to constantly meditate on the word so that you will grow in wisdom and faithfully proclaim it,” said Bishop McClory.
The bishop thanked the men for saying “yes” and presenting themselves to be entrusted in a more profound way with the word of God. “You proclaim it faithfully, not just with articulate pronunciation and clear diction, but proclaim it because the word is in your heart. The word is in your actions.”
The beaming smile on Noveroske’s face following the Mass seemed to reflect the inner joy. Despite acknowledging being a bit nervous during the institution, Noveroske expressed the excitement of reaching another milestone on the journey to ordination. With the institution of lector comes another level of responsibility, the aspects of proclaiming the word of God, and assuming the responsibility for the Church. So as of now, if the Holy Spirit taps me on the shoulder to do something, I’m going to do it.”
“I thought it was a beautiful service. It gave me a deep level of appreciation for the journey we’re on, said Petro.
Petro said part of that journey now includes the responsibility as lectors to “read the readings with a deeper level of concentration and mediate upon them with a greater level of reverence.”
He added that all Catholics should do likewise so that “when you attend Mass and the readings are proclaimed, you truly understand what is being said,” said Petro.
Burgos shared how he started lecturing last year – something he’s still getting used to. “There’s a deep-seated, rooted emotion that comes with proclaiming the Scripture so that others understand it. It’s incredible when you think about it,” he said. “Now as an instituted lector, it’s more real, not that it wasn’t before, but now it has a more profound meaning.”
Burgos struggled to put into words what the night meant to him. “On our journey and moving closer to serving God as a deacon, tonight was probably one of the most profound moments in our journey. I felt really humbled and privileged to be part of something so beautiful.”
He made sure to thank those who have been instrumental for the candidates arriving at this point of their journey to be present for the evening’s event.
“I thought the bishop, priests, deacons, our mentors and spiritual directors who came to the Institution of Lector Mass were awesome. They made it really special, and it makes a difference in our spiritual growth. It all compiles our success as ministers.”