Installation of Lectors

Ronnie Floyd was installed as a Lector according to the Rite of Institution of Lectors on Sunday, January 16, 2005 at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. The members of the first theology class were installed during a celebration of the Eucharist celebrated by Bernard Cardinal Law, archbishop emeritus of Boston and Archpriest of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

Men preparing for the priesthood are required by Canon 1035 of the Code of Canon Law to have received the ministries of lector and acolyte and to have exercised them for a suitable period of time before being ordained to the diaconate.

The reader is appointed for reading the word of God in the liturgical assembly. Accordingly, he is to proclaim the readings from sacred Scripture, except for the Gospel in the Mass and other sacred celebrations; he is to recite the psalm between the readings when there is no psalmist; he is to present the intentions for the general intercessions in the absence of a deacon or cantor; he is to instruct the faithful for the worthy reception of the sacraments. He may also, insofar as may be necessary, take care of preparing other faithful who are appointed on a temporary basis to read the Scriptures in liturgical celebrations. That he may more fittingly and perfectly fulfill these functions, he is to meditate assiduously on sacred Scripture.

Aware of the office he has undertaken, the reader is to make every effort and employ suitable means to acquire that increasingly warm and living love and knowledge of Scripture that will make him a more perfect disciple of the Lord.

In the rite, the bishop addresses those to be installed in these words:

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 yet 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 forth to the world our Savior, Jesus Christ.