At a vigil Mass on the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time on 4 October at Sacred Heart, Hillsborough, Bishop Ralph presided at a Mass for the Institution of the ministries of Lector and Acolyte.
Lucas Borges and Michael Watkins received the ministry of Lector following their first year in formation leading towards ordination as Permanent Deacons.
Bishop Ralph presented them both with Bibles, asking them to be faithful in handing on the word of God, so that it may grow in the hearts of the people. The rite itself informed us of the meaning of each ministry. At the Institution of Lucas and Michael as Lectors, Bishop Ralph instructed the candidates that they will not only proclaim the Word in the sacred liturgy, but that they will teach and catechise in various contexts, including preparing those approaching the sacraments. They must meditate on, and grow in love for, the sacred scriptures.
Peter Holland received the ministry of Acolyte following three years of formation, and he now enters his fourth and final year of formation. Bishop Ralph presented Peter with a ciborium containing bread, and asked him to make his life worthy for service at the table of the Lord. Acolytes serve at the Altar, assisting the Bishop, Priests and Deacons, and assist in distributing communion in Church and in taking the Eucharist from the Altar to the sick and housebound.
Those who gathered asked God to pour out his grace and blessings on these servants of his who desire to give their lives to the ministry of the Church.
Deacon Ken Agwuh attended the Ministries Mass, as our most recent ordained permanent deacon in Hallam, and he proclaimed the Gospel. Father Michael Umameh, Director of Deacons, concelebrated at the Mass, with Bishop Ralph presiding.
The Ministries of Lector and Acolyte designate the students in formation as one who carries out significant tasks in divine worship. Announcing the Word of God and assisting the Bishop, Priest and Deacon in the Holy Sacrifice are of such importance that being formally designated to take on these roles is a sign that they are moving closer to Holy Orders.
Students for the diaconate receive formation from the Northern Diaconal Formation Partnership (NDFP), a Roman Catholic charity and a multi-diocesan training programme in the North of England, that provides formation for men aspiring to become Deacons In the Northern Province, the seven dioceses in the North of England, and the Diocese of Wrexham, offering a four-year programme of academic, spiritual, human, and pastoral development, including residential weekends in Leeds.
Congratulations are offered to Lucas, Michael and Peter. We pray for them as they take on these new Ministries. We give thanks for all those who come forward and offer their lives in service to the Lord. Tony Strike
