Thirteen Saint Paul Seminary seminarians from seven different dioceses are being instituted as lectors this spring semester.
Marking an important step toward priestly ordination, seminarians who have been installed as lectors proclaim the readings from Scripture, except for the Gospel. They also recite the Psalms, present the general intercessions when there is no deacon, and direct the singing and participation of the faithful during the liturgy.
Men who are installed as lectors can then go on to become acolytes, transitional deacons and finally priests at their ordination. Becoming a lector doesn’t mean a seminarian has committed to the priesthood, but it’s one of several key milestones on the road.
Thursday, Feb. 16 in St. Mary’s Chapel at The Saint Paul Seminary, Bishop Peter Muhich of the Diocese of Rapid City celebrated a special lector installation Mass for nine seminarians.
“With your help,” Muhich said, “others will come to know God our Father and His son Jesus Christ who He sent, and so be able to reach eternal life.”
Fargo and Winona-Rochester seminarians are being instituted as lectors in their home dioceses. Bishop Robert Barron celebrated the institution of Riley Becher and Cullen Gallagher of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester this past weekend.
The 13 men being installed as lectors this year are:
Garrett Aberle, Fargo
Stan Asjes, Des Moines
Riley Becher, Winona-Rochester
Cullen Gallagher, Winona-Rochester
Kolbe Kirst, Sioux Falls
Alexander Leschisin, Sioux Falls
Dominic Miller, Saint Paul and Minneapolis
Eric Miller, Saint Paul and Minneapolis
Patrick Sorrells, Fargo
Peter Specht, Duluth
Sebastian Spencer, Saint Paul and Minneapolis
Todd Vander May, Rapid City
