Seminarians in the Configuration Stage of formation at the Pontifical College Josephinum were instituted as lectors and acolytes on Nov. 16 by Bishop Earl Fernandes of Columbus and Josephinum Vice-Chancellor. Birmingham seminarians Patrick Letterle and Billy Moin were instituted as acolytes. 

Once termed minor orders, the ministries of lector and acolyte were established by Pope Paul VI in 1973 with the apostolic letter Ministeria Quaedam. Lectors are commissioned to proclaim the Word of God in the liturgical assembly and to instruct children and adults in the faith to prepare them to receive the sacraments. Acolytes are entrusted with attending to the altar, assisting the deacon and priest at Mass, and distributing Holy Communion during the liturgy and to the sick.

In the rite, each candidate is handed a symbol of the ministry to which he is being instituted. Lectors receive a Book of the Gospels and acolytes are presented with a ciborium, as the bishop calls the men to fulfill the ministry faithfully.

Institution to these ministries are important steps on the journey toward priesthood. Typically, seminarians are instituted as lectors in their first year of the Configuration Stage and as acolytes the following year.