Bishop Byrne to Install Nine Seminarians as Lectors

Saint John’s Seminary joyfully announces that nine seminarians will be formally installed as Lectors during a special Mass to be celebrated by Bishop William D. Byrne of the Diocese of Springfield on Sunday, February 8. The installation marks a significant milestone in each seminarian’s formation as they continue their journey toward priestly ordination.

The seminarians to be installed as Lectors include:

Archdiocese of Boston
Paulo Carvalho
Nicholas Colón
Ryan Henderson
Jake Livingstone
Liam Warner

Diocese of Portland, ME
Joseph Beale
Nicholas Hershbine

Diocese of Providence
Adam Habershaw

Diocese of Rochester
Joseph Maurer

The ministry of Lector is an important step in a seminarian’s preparation for ordained ministry. Through this institution, seminarians are entrusted with proclaiming the Word of God and deepening their personal relationship with Sacred Scripture. A Lector is called to proclaim the readings from Scripture, except for the Gospel; recite the psalm when there is no psalmist; present the general intercessions when there is no deacon; and assist in directing the participation of the faithful in the liturgy.

During the Rite of Institution, the Church entrusts each seminarian with the Book of Holy Scripture and the charge: “Take this book of Holy Scripture and be faithful in handing on the word of God, so that it may grow strong in the hearts of his people.” This moment reflects the heart of the ministry — to become a living instrument of God’s Word so that others may encounter and fall in love with Sacred Scripture. Installed Lectors are called not only to proclaim the Word but also to read, pray with, and live out what they proclaim.

The installation as Lector represents a meaningful step forward in the seminarians’ ongoing spiritual, pastoral, and academic formation. As they continue to discern and prepare for priestly ministry, the Church entrusts them with a deeper responsibility in the life of the liturgy and the proclamation of the Gospel message.

Saint John’s Seminary invites the faithful to join in prayer for these men as they embrace this important milestone and continue their journey of service to Christ and His Church.

About Saint John’s Seminary
Saint John’s Seminary, located in Brighton, Massachusetts, forms men for the Roman Catholic priesthood through comprehensive human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral formation in service to dioceses throughout the region and beyond.