This weekend, the twenty men who have been journeying together in Deacon Formation have come to a stepping stone in our journey. We were installed as "Stable Readers" by the Bishop. This is the second of three steps before ordination. The first being acceptance into Candidacy to be ordained, then installation as Reader (or Lector), then installation as Acolyte...and if God so wills, Ordination. At first, this may not seem a great deal. However, now part of our identity is one who proclaims the Scripture readings and reads the prayers at Mass. Generally, the Lector, or Reader, is an extra-ordinary minister. With no disrespect intended, this means that they are filling this position unless one who has been assigned this responsibility by the Church is present to fulfill this part of the Liturgy.

This is a very humbling mark as we are to submit ourselves to the study of the Scriptures and to the Faith more deeply to instruct others in the good news of Salvation.

In a few months, if so deemed, we will be installed as Acolytes to serve more fully at the Altar to assist in the consecration and distribution of Holy Communion. Finally, if God wills, those in the Deacon Formation will be ordained in late Spring of 2012.