On October 23, 2025, the Most Reverend Michael C. Barber, SJ, Bishop of Oakland, celebrated the Mass of Institution for Lectors and Acolytes at St. Patrick’s Seminary for first-and second-year seminarians in the Configuration stage. During the liturgy, Mr. Ramón Camacho and Mr. Jacob McDougall were instituted as lectors, and Mr. Erik Morris was instituted as an acolyte.
As Bishop Barber expressed in his homily, the reception of these ministries for the seminarian expresses a “stepping stone” in vocational discernment as each man continues his journey to the priesthood. Through the installation, the Church continues to express her confidence in these men to assume greater responsibility in the Sacred Liturgy.
Lectors proclaim the Word of God during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and other liturgies, such as the seminary community’s celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours. During the rite, Bishop Barber handed a Bible to Camacho and McDougall, saying, “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 the people.” In response, the seminarians said, “Amen.”
Reflecting on this, Camacho says, “When I knelt before Bishop Barber, it impressed upon me the significance of the ministry which I now hold. Proclaiming the Word of God is a privilege because, through these sacred words, we as lectors get to announce how God has chosen to reveal himself throughout salvation history. Now, as an instituted lector, I’m entrusted to hand on this good news to His people, and that requires diligent, continued spiritual and practical preparation before ascending to the ambo. It’s not just about reading; it’s about having an authentic personal encounter with the Word of God so that, when I proclaim it, His people may hear His voice speaking to them.”
Acolytes, for their part, are entrusted to assist the priest and deacon at Mass, helping prepare the altar in the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and may distribute Holy Communion to the faithful. During the Installation Rite, Bishop Barber placed a paten into each candidates’ hands, saying, “Take this vessel with bread for the celebration of the Eucharist. May your life reflect the worthiness of your service at the table of the Lord and His Church.” Seminarians responded, “Amen.”
In his reflection, Morris says, “As the steps led up to the altar, so too I have felt the gradual pull towards priesthood. Holding the paten during the rite was particularly moving for me. It still feels like a long way off from priesthood, but I take joy in where I am at now.”
As our seminarians receive these ministries, they are ultimately invited to grow in their joyful service to the Church, conforming their hearts ever more closely to Christ. Please continue to accompany them with your prayers that they may grow daily in faith, zeal, and love for Christ and His Church.