Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone joined candidates for the diaconate and their families at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church on August 31 for the minor rite of the Installation to the Ministry of Lector. The eight candidates hail from parishes across the Archdiocese including St. Philip, St. Dominic’s, St. Gregory, St. Charles (San Carlos), St. Veronica, St. Raphael, and Good Shepherd.
One of the major roles of a Deacon is Minister of the Word: proclaiming the Gospel at Mass, preaching homilies and teaching in the name of the Church – instructing children and adults in the faith to help them receive the sacraments worthily.
During the rite, each diaconate candidate approaches the Archbishop who gives him a bible instructing him to, “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.”
We continue to keep the diaconate candidates in our prayers as they continue to study and work toward their ordination.
Photos: Laura Bertone, Archdiocese of San Francisco
