Ministry of Lector and Acolyte

Posted on 30. May, 2012 in Carousel

Two Irish College seminarians, Stephen Duffy, Clogher and Marius O Reilly, Cork & Ross were insititued as lectors during Mass celerated by Most Revd Patrick Walsh, Bishop Emeritus of Down & Connor in the College chapel on Tuesday 29 May 2012. During the same liturgy three members of  the College community Liam Boyle, Raphoe, Brian Fitzpatrick, Dromore and Dominic McGrattan, Down and Connor were instituted as acolytes.

During his homily, Bishop Walsh described of the ministry of the diocesan priest as lived in the midst of the people and centred on their needs. He also spoke of the importance of developing a spirituality which is appropiate to parochial ministry.

 The ministry of Lector focuses on the proclamation of the word of God. During the liturgy the Bishop offered this prayer for the new lectors:

‘Lord God, source of all goodness and light, you sent your only Son, the Word of life, to reveal to mankind the mystery of your love. Bless our brothers who have been chosen for the ministry of lector. Grant that as they meditate constantly on your word they may grow in its wisdom and faithfully proclaim it to your people.We ask this through Christ our Lord.

The ministry of acolyte is centred on the Eucharist. During the rite of institution of acolytes, the Bishop handed the canditates the bread and wine to be used for the celebration of Mass while saying the following words:

‘Take this vessel with bread (wine) for the celebration of the eucharist. Make your life worthy of your service at the table of the Lord and of his Church.’