Seminarians, diaconate candidates instituted as lectors by Bishop Woost

“Fifteen names. Fifteen individuals called to proclaim and to interpret – with understanding – God’s holy word.”

Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost began his homily at the Oct. 23 liturgy for the institution of lectors with those words. The celebration took place at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe. He said in the Old Testament, those 15 men were called to read aloud and explain God’s word – “from daybreak till midday” or about six hours. The individuals were named and are immortalized “because this was a life-changing event for God’s people … a life-changing, grace-filled event,” the bishop said.

At the institution liturgy, 16 men – 12 Saint Mary seminarians and four four who are in formation for the permanent diaconate – were called to take on a special ministry in the Church as lectors, the bishop said. “This is a grace-filled event for you and for the Church,” he added.

The new seminarian lectors are:

• Andrew Miguel Bendahan, St. Luke Parish Lakewood
• Thomas Richard Byrne, St. Christopher Parish, Rocky River
• Gregory John St. Gabriel Parish, Concord
• William Spiridon Martzaklis, St. Paul Parish, North Canton (Diocese of Youngstown)
• Nathan Michael Menkhaus, St. Barnabas Parish, Northfield
• William Ignatius Myers, St. Peter Parish, North Ridgeville
• John Kramer Scantling, St. Sebastian Parish, Akron
• Connor James Trout, St. Basil Parish, Brecksville
• Steven Joseph Vasko, St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Boardman (Diocese of Youngstown)
• Christopher Anthony Villarreal, St. Sebastian Parish, Akron.

Diaconal candidates instituted as lectors are:

• Richard Anthony Fischer, St. Adalbert Parish, Berea
• Joseph Arthur Hercules, St. Frances de Sales Parish, Akron
• William Joseph Myers, Holy Family Parish, Stow
• Keith Gordon Novak, St. Hilary Parish. Fairlawn.

The bishop said that much like in the Old Testament, the naming of these men “indicates the great importance of this moment – that this is a live-changing event for God’s people … a life-changing, grace-filled event.”

He said Bishop Edward Malesic and their formators believe the new lectors are ready to assume this special ministry.

“Remember, you are not just instituted to be readers of a book. As you will hear in the Church’s rite of institution, you are to interpret and instruct with understanding,” Bishop Woost told the men. He encouraged them to pray for grace every time they meditate on the Scriptures, proclaim God’s word and lead others to a deeper understanding of that word.

“Today this word is fulfilled in your hearing. Rejoice, for today is holy to the Lord,” he said.