Acolyte and Lector Installation Masses 2023
A seminarian’s progress through formation is marked not only by a yearly academic cycle but by spiritual milestones that signify to both the seminarian and the community that progress towards Holy Orders is underway. Two particular moments are marked by liturgical ceremonies: the Ministry of Acolyte and the Ministry of Lector. The Acolyte and Lector Installation Masses recently took place at the main chapel of St. Augustine’s Seminary of Toronto. See the link to photo albums below.
On November 16th, the Most Rev. Daniel Miehm, Bishop of the Diocese of Peterborough, presided at the celebration. At the Institution of Acolytes, the bishop points out that the most important part of their ministry will be to bring Holy Communion to the faithful, either in the liturgy or to the sick and homebound.
The following Seminarians received the ministry of Acolyte:
ARCHDIOCESE OF TORONTO
Michael Edgar BEAUPRE
Michael Angelo Guadalupe BERLIN-RIGA
Ivan Christopher Henry BREWER
Raphael Adrales CAROLINO
Francesco Joseph RAMPINO
DIOCESE OF ANTIGONISH
Joseph Alexander MACMASTER
DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTETOWN
Samuel Kenneth Francis VAIL
“Dear friends, we know that the mystery of the Eucharist is at the very heart of what we’re doing. And that old axiom, no priest without the Eucharist, no Eucharist without the priest, certainly raised through on this occasion. And the Eucharist is always at the heart of priestly life.”
On November 22nd, the Most Rev. Joseph Dabrowski, C.S.M.A., Bishop of the Diocese of Charlottetown, presided at the ceremony. At the Institution of Lectors, the bishop’s ritual homily instructs the candidates that they will not only proclaim the Word in the sacred liturgy, but will teach and catechize in various contexts, and must meditate on, and grow in love for, the sacred scriptures.
The following Seminarians received the ministry of Lector.
ARCHDIOCESE OF TORONTO
James Leslie Neto CYFKO
Alvin Thevalakkara JOYS
ARCHDIOCESE OF KINGSTON
Jude THUSIAR
DIOCESE OF PETERBOROUGH
Peter Stanley Andrew BISSONNETTE
“There is something wonderful about being called by name. It’s important to keep in mind that as you’re called by name during the Institution of Lectors of the Sacred Scriptures, you’re called to proclaim the Word of God in the name of the Church.”