Anthony Phung was recently instituted as Lector by Bishop Gregory Bittman the Auxiliary Bishop of Edmonton at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Edmonton.
The Ministry of Lector calls the seminarian to be a servant of the Living Word of God. In proclaiming the readings at liturgy, the 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.
There are 4 steps prior to the Rite of Ordination to the priesthood that every seminarian must take. They are: 1) Rite of Candidacy; 2) Ministry of Lector; 3) Ministry of Acolyte; and 4) Rite of Ordination to the Diaconate.
Each step serves a special role for the Church, as well as for the spiritual formation of the seminarian. Anthony is currently in his 1st year of theology at St. Joseph’s seminary and has now taken one of the steps towards ordination to priesthood.
