16 seminarians take a major step in their formation, embracing the call to proclaim God’s Word.
Briefly:
- The institution of 16 seminarians as lectors marks a significant step in their formation journey, preparing them to proclaim Scripture and lead the faithful in worship.
- Seven dioceses and religious orders from across the Upper Midwest and beyond are celebrating these seminarians’ progress.
- While not a definitive commitment to the priesthood, lector installation is an important milestone during a man’s time in seminary.
Seven dioceses and religious orders throughout the Upper Midwest and beyond celebrate the institution as lectors of 16 men in formation at The Saint Paul Seminary this year.
In seminary formation, lectors proclaim Scripture readings, recite the Psalms, lead general intercessions in the absence of a deacon and guide the singing and active participation of the faithful during the liturgy. Institution as a lector serves as a stepping stone toward the role of acolyte, transitional deacon, and ultimately, priest.
Becoming a lector doesn’t necessarily indicate a commitment to the priesthood, but it is a significant milestone on the path toward ordination.
Monday, Feb. 10 in St. Mary’s Chapel, Bishop Austin Vetter of the Diocese of Helena instituted 14 seminarians as lectors:
- Elias Budke, ASPM
- Joshua French, ASPM
- Joshua Gerads, ASPM
- Matthew Giorgio, Sioux Falls
- Brady Martinez, Sioux Falls
- Anthony Olmes, Helena
- Jacob O’Meara, ASPM
- Ronald Onyekwelu, Boise
- David Rabaey, New Ulm
- Alex Radtke, La Crosse
- Nathan Ribb, Boise
- Jacob Robbins, ASPM
- James Semling, Helena
- Jack Tyrrell, St. Cloud
Seminarian John Dyson (Diocese of Boise) was previously instituted as a lector in his home diocese. Diocese of Fargo seminarian Matthew Follis’ lector institution will take place at a later date in North Dakota.