Four deacon candidates receive rite of lector

Four candidates for the permanent diaconate in the Diocese of Sioux City were instituted into the Ministry of Lector during Mass celebrated by Bishop Walker Nickless on Oct. 12 at St. Mary Parish in Storm Lake.

The four who received the rite of lector were Kevin Holzman of St. Mary Parish in Alton, Jeff Schoep of Mater Dei Parish in Sioux City, Will Swanson of St. Mary Parish in Storm Lake and Jeff Zyzda of Mater Dei Parish in Sioux City.

During the rite, each man was called forth individually and knelt before the bishop. He handed them a Bible, instructing them, “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.”

This step takes Bishop Nickless hands the Bible to candidate Jeff Schoepthe men one step closer to their ordination as permanent deacons.

According to church law and practice, the instituted lector is charged with proclaiming the readings from the sacred Scriptures (except for the Gospel), announcing the intentions in the Prayers of the Faithful (in the absence of a deacon), and reciting or singing the responsorial psalm if there is no cantor. Distinct from the typical parish reader, these men will now exercise this ministry in a permanent way. 

This group of men were admitted to candidacy for the permanent diaconate in March during a Mass also celebrated by Bishop Nickless in Storm Lake.

Upon completion of their formation program and ordination to the diaconate, permanent deacons may officiate at baptisms, weddings and funerals, read the Gospel, preach at Mass and help with the canonical process for marriage and baptism. In addition, one of the greatest priorities of deacons is service to the poor and marginalized.

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