Ministers of the Word
God speaks to the assembly through readers who proclaim scripture as a living, dynamic and timeless form of praise that glorifies and celebrates God. Readers help create a hospitable and prayerful environment by praying the Prayers of the Faithful. Through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, God empowers these ministers of the Word with the resources necessary for this important ministry so the assembly may be nourished during the “table of God’s Word” in preparation for the “table of the Eucharist.”
“For at the celebration of Mass, which perpetuates the sacrifice of the cross, Christ is really present in the assembly gathered in his name; he is present in the person of the minister, in his own word, and indeed substantially and permanently under the Eucharistic elements.” (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy No. 7)
Parish Representative:
Amy Hoyt
813.352.4404
belovedlynnh@gmail.com
For further information:
- Diocese of St. Petersburg ministry guidelines
- Daily Readings at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Website
- Biblical Pronunciation Guide: an excellent audio resource for readers.
Welcome to the first MHR Reader Blog Post! This is so exciting! Thank you Dave for setting this up for us, I am sure we will all grow together in Christ through our sharing of scripture and everyday experiences. I wanted to extend a special welcome to our newest reader, Bruce! He recently attended the Reader Workshop at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church and became an instant blessing. Thank you to all the readers who were able to make it in person and those that came in spirit because of other commitments they had that morning.
This week I wanted to share a very special treat I have at home. I recently purchased the Catholicism DVD series from Lighthouse Catholic Media by Father Robert Barron. It is blowing me away! I am a recent ‘revert’ to the Catholic faith and I just cannot seem to get enough of the church. The more I learn the more I fall in love with everything Catholic. This week the Gospel reading has one of my favorite lines, “you have not chosen me, it is I who chose you…” Does anyone else find this incredible? It blows me away to say that verse slowly and think of what he is saying. God, the creator of everything we see and everything we are, the giver of life, the source of all love and mercy has called us to himself so He can immerse us in His mystical and unimaginable love for us. Sometimes when I am at Mass thinking it is so great that I chose to be there and look at me worshipping and being good, I get smacked over the side of the head (very lovingly) with this reminder. I have not chosen God, I am not good enough in and of myself apart from God to make that choice, it is God’s gift to me that I have the grace and ability to be with him. It is all a great mystery and a great gift. Be still and say thank you for the gift of life, no matter what the present circumstances. We serve a God who brings the best out of what seems like the worst (case and point…the suffering and death of Christ on the cross).
Let us remember to rejoice at Mass, remain in God’s love and build each other up. Before you bash a reader, get up there on Sunday and try it yourself…we would love to have you in our company!
Peace and love in Christ ~ Amy :)
