As we enter into Holy Week, we give thanks to God for our seminarians who are in formation for the Diocese of Scranton. We pray for those who are discerning the call. May God touch their hearts during this most holy week of the year.
Recently, three of our seminarians received ministries at St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland.
Bill Beechko and
Shawn Simchock received Ministry of Acolyte.
Jonathan Kuhar received Ministry of Lector. Bishop Edward C. Malesic, J.C.L., Bishop of Greensburg, presided. Following the ceremony, family and friends joined the seminarians for a reception.
Bill is from SS. Anthony and Rocco Parish, Dunmore; Jonathan is from St. Jude Parish, Mountain Top; and Shawn is from Queen of Heaven Parish, Hazleton.
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| Bill Beechko, Jonathan Kuhar, and Shawn Simchock after the ceremony with family members and friends. |
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| Diocese of Scranton seminarians in formation at St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland. Front row L-R: Jonathan Kuhar, Bishop Edward C. Malesic, J.C.L., Bishop of Greensburg, Rev. Thomas R. Hurst, P.S.S., S.T.L., Ph.D., President-Rector and Vice Chancellor of St. Mary's Seminary. Second row L-R: Rev. Don Williams, Diocesan Director of Vocations and Seminarians, Rev. Mr. Joseph Mosley, and Shawn Simchock. Third row L-R: Rev. Mr. Michael Drevitch, Ryan Glenn, Bill Beechko, and Charles Rennekamp. |
The
Ministry of Lector calls men to be servants of the Living Word of God. In proclaiming the readings at liturgy, a reader does more than simply read. Those who exercise the ministry of lector must be truly suited and carefully prepared, so that the faithful may develop a warm and living love for Sacred Scripture from listening to the sacred readings.
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| Jonathan Kuhar receiving the Ministry of Lector at the ceremony. |
Acolytes are appointed to aid the deacon and to minister to the priest. It is his duty to attend to the service of the altar and to assist the deacon and the priest in liturgical celebrations, especially in the celebration of Mass. He may also distribute communion as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion when appropriate.
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| Opening procession at the Ministry ceremony at St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, MD. |
The church emphasizes the stages of the journey to Holy Orders through these ministries. Please keep them in prayer as they continue in their formation for Diocesan Priesthood!
