Further deepening their commitment to service in the Church, two candidates for the permanent diaconate in the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland were instituted to the ministry of lector during a Mass on March 7 at Holy Angels Parish in Bainbridge.
Second-year candidates Scott Cerrito of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Hinckley and Mike Costantini of St. Barnabas Parish in Northfield took this important next step in their formation. They were instituted into the ministry of lector by the Auxiliary Bishop emeritus Roger Gries.
During the institution rite, the candidates knelt before the bishop, received the Holy Bible and heard the bishop recite, “Take this book of the Holy Scriptures and be faithful in handing on the Word of God so that it may grow strong in the hearts of his people.”
The lector is instituted to proclaim the readings from sacred Scripture, with the exception of the Gospel. He may also announce the intentions for the universal prayer and, in the absence of a psalmist, recite the psalm between the readings. The lector also instructs children and adults in the faith, and prepares them to receive the sacraments worthily.
During his homily, Bishop Gries said that Gospel passage of Jesus’ transfiguration on Mount Tabor was meant to show the apostles and us that “there is something good to look forward to. God sent us his son to show us how to live and build up his kingdom here on earth. Jesus lives within us through the Eucharist.” Bishop Gries also thanked Cerrito and Costantini for responding to God’s call willingly.
Father Max Cole, administrator of Holy Angels Parish, concelebrated the Mass with Bishop Gries. They were assisted by Deacon Vince Belsito and Deacon David Kushner, director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate of the Diocese of Cleveland.
After Mass, the bishop attended a reception for those who were instituted as lectors, their families and members of the hosting parish.