The Institution to the ministry of Reader

Tonight, at our celebration of St. Lawrence, the Archdiocese of New Orleans and the Community of Deacons instituted 19 men to the office of Reader. After the homily of the Mass, the institution begins and the Archbishop addresses them with these words:

Dear sons in Christ, through His Son, Jesus, 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. You will proclaim that Word in the liturgical assembly, instruct children and adults in the faith, and prepare them to receive the sacraments worthily. You will bring the message of salvation to those who have not received it. Thus, with your help men and women will come to know God our Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, whom He sent and so be able to reach eternal life.

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 faith to the world in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

The following prayer is offered:

Let us ask God our Father to bless these servants who have been chosen for the Ministry of Reader. Let us pray that they may be faithful to the work entrusted to them, proclaim Christ to the world, and give glory to our Father in heaven.

And finally each candidate goes to the Archbishop who gives them the Bible saying:

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.

And they answer: Amen.

From this point the 19 continue formation, service as instituted readers and approach next the office of acolyte sometime next year. Ordination to the diaconate is scheduled for this group at the end of 2012.