On Sunday evening, Bishop John Dolan and Auxiliary Bishop Eduardo Nevares held a special Mass for eight seminarians and their families as they celebrated the biannual liturgy of the Institution of Lectors and Acolytes at St. Mary’s Basilica in downtown Phoenix.
Instituted Acolytes are trained and formed as assistants to the priest and deacon in their roles within the celebration of the Mass. They may purify the sacred vessels and are to assist with the distribution of Holy Communion when needed. Lectors are instituted to proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture during Mass.
The lay ministries of lector and acolyte were established by Pope Paul VI in 1973 with the apostolic letter “Ministeria Quaedam.” All those who received Institution at this liturgy are in formation for the transitional diaconate, the last step toward the priesthood.
The Diocese of Phoenix is filled with gratitude for these men and their service to Christ and the Church.
Lectors:
Br. Paul (Neil Kenneth) Graupmann
Br. Lawrence (Caleb Stephen) Hogue
Max Joseph Rich
Michael Kenneth Salemi
Ryan Anthony Wiensch
Acolytes:
Br. Paul (Neil Kenneth) Graupmann
Jeffrey Donald Pooley
Simon John Ortiz
