Twenty-two men on their way to becoming deacons
“Take this book of holy Scripture and be faithful in handing on the word of God, so that it may grow strong in the hearts of his people.” With these words and with the book of the Holy Scriptures in his hands, Cardinal Joseph Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archdiocese of Newark appointed 22 men from 22 Archdiocese of Newark parishes to the Ministry of Lector.
Serious and serene, and with a smile that sometimes expresses the nervousness of the moment, these men entered a procession last Sunday, Jan. 22, at the church of St. Andrew in Westwood. Sitting in the pews, looking at them with special affection, were their relatives, friends, and people from their parishes, among whom in some cases was also their parish priest.
“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,” Cardinal Tobin said.
The Lector plays an important and visible role during the service at Liturgy. The Lector proclaims the Word of God to the people through Old and New Testament readings. Through the Ministry of Lector, God’s Word is spoken to God’s people.
It was no coincidence that this beautiful ceremony took place on that date. It was the Sunday dedicated in the whole Church to the Word of God. Cardinal Tobin reminded us of this in his beautiful homily, first in English and then in Spanish.
Among the 22 men preparing for the diaconate, there are 13 who are doing so in a program in which they receive classes in Spanish. Because to savor what has been studied and prepare to work, especially in communities with Hispanic ministry, it helps to do it in the native language.
During the ceremony, I look at the faces of these men, dressed in their alb (liturgical vestment) with their hands on their chests. Many of them I know well and admire and know the efforts they have made to get here. They are well aware that they are taking their first steps on a path that will lead to ordination. They also know that this is not a path to honor and glory, but that they are following a call to serve our communities, especially those who are most on the margins. And they are doing it with the support of their parishes and with great personal sacrifice.
They have a long preparation time ahead of them. They are determined to walk their path, and their parish communities and the Archdiocese are willing to support them. Not in vain in the great consultation processes – both in the Fifth Encounter and in the Synod – our Hispanic community has stressed the importance of the mission that deacons carry out among us. Therefore, seeing this group of men willing to sacrifice themselves to continue serving, fills us with hope.
Deacon Asterio Velasco is the Hispanic Apostolate Coordinator at the Archdiocese of Newark.
Featured photo: Cardinal Joseph Tobin and Father Joseph Chapel, pastor of St. Andrew’s and Director of Formation for the Diaconate Program, with the 22 men who were appointed as lectors this past Sunday. Photos Courtesy Deacon Asterio Velasco
