Fifteen seminarians received the ministry of Lector from Bishop Brendan Cahill. This is the first of several steps before ordination to priesthood so it was a significant day for them, their families, their dioceses, and the entire seminary. PHOTOS...

This rite takes place within the celebration of the Eucharist, just after the proclamation of the Gospel. Then their names were announced, they said, "Present," and came forward. Bishop Cahill preached exhorting them to follow the Light, Jesus Christ. Then after praying for them, he presented the Scriptures to them one-by-one as they knelt before him. He said these words:

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 Mass continued so that the new Lectors received the "Word made flesh" in the Eucharist for the first time as lectors who are charged with proclaiming the Word in the midst of God's people. At the end Fr. Trung, Nguyen, our Rector, thanked all of those involved, especially the family and friends who have supported these men during their vocational journey. It was a joyous and beautiful celebration. St. Mary's Seminary is blessed to work with these good men, disciples of Jesus preparing to be Shepherds after the Heart of Jesus for their dioceses.