Diocese celebrates the Institution of Lectors for the Order of Deacons

Friday, Apr. 24, 2015

SALT LAKE CITY — As the bells of the Cathedral of the Madeleine filled the air with their ringing, wives checked that their husband’s tie was impeccable, mothers quieted their children while finding their seats, and a line of deacons and priests gathered at the doors, a sensation of joy could be felt in the environment.

On April 18, 17 men were instituted as lectors for the diocese by the Most Reverend John C. Wester, Bishop of Salt Lake City. The men are members of the permanent deacon class who are scheduled to be ordained in two years, a ministry that calls them to be servants of the Living Word of God. They already have been studying for two years.

“In proclaiming the readings at liturgy, the reader does more than simply read,” said Deacon Drew Petersen, the program’s overall director. “We have in the Church a lot of people that serve as readers. … Basically they [the candidates] were instituted to perform the same services but at an entirely different level because they have studied intensely the Scriptures over the past year, and they have also learned a great deal about how to develop techniques in studying the Bible and also conveying the Bible to others when they do lector.”

As Bishop Wester welcomed the men to the celebration, he said, “Those who exercise the ministry of lector must be truly suited and carefully prepared, so that the faithful may develop a warm and living love for Sacred Scripture from listening to the sacred readings.”

During the ceremony, Father Eleazar Silva, the director of academics for the diaconate formation program, called each candidate by name. The candidates responded “present.”

After his homily, Bishop Wester invited the candidates to approach the altar. One by one the men knelt in front of the bishop and received the Bible that they will carry from now on.

“Through his Son, who became man for us, God the Father has revealed the mystery of salvation and brought it to fulfillment. Jesus Christ made all things known to us and then entrusted his Church with the mission of preaching the Gospel to the whole world. As readers and bearers of God’s word, you will assist in this mission, and so take on a special office within the Christian community; you will be given a responsibility in the service of the faith, which is rooted in the word of God,” Bishop Wester told the candidates.

“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 Scriptures, and in all you say and do, show forth to the world our Savior, Jesus Christ,” the bishop added.

The ceremony was very important because it completed the men’s second step toward ordination as permanent deacons, Deacon Petersen said.

“So not only do they get encouragement from us, they are also getting encouragement from our bishop,” said Deacon Petersen, adding that it is rewarding for him and Fr. Silva “to see that growth, to see that development, and that they are all making pretty significant contributions in their service right now.” 

Early next year the 17 candidates  will be instituted as acolytes. The final step in their formation, which will happen around January 2017, will be to be ordained as permanent deacons.

“This next coming academic year they will be going to different parishes and serving a practica; this will amplify their roles in the parishes,” said Deacon Petersen.

The Permanent Deacon Class of 2017 of the Diocese of Salt Lake City started their journey to their ordination in November of 2013.