November 4, 2009

3 seminarians instituted to ministry of lector or acolyte

Thirteen men in priesthood formation at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary took a step forward in their journey toward holy orders when they were instituted to either the ministry of lector or acolyte on Oct. 17 during a 5:30 p.m. Mass celebrated by Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., in Christ the King Chapel, which is located at 1300 S. Steele St. in Denver.

Instituted to the ministry of lector were: Ryan O’Neill, Samuel Morehead, Brian Rollo, Dan Vanyo, Gail Hammerschmidt, Brian Lager, David Johannes and Justin Hall. Instituted to the ministry of acolyte were: Geronimo Gonzalez, Braden Wagner, Gregg Pedersen, Brian Larkin and John Nepil.

As lectors, the men may proclaim the Scriptures at Mass. An acolyte’s function is to assist the deacon or priest with the details of preparation of the altar and sacred vessels. Acolytes by their office in the Church are special ministers of the Eucharist. The celebration took place this year during the seminary’s Parent Weekend.