Emmitsburg seminarians instituted as lectors, acolytes by Bishop O'Connell

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., had the privilege of conferring the ministries of lector and acolyte upon the seminarians of Mount St. Mary Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md., during Masses April 20 and 21. The Bishop’s presence at the seminary came at the invitation of the rector, Msgr. Andrew Baker.

Formerly called “minor orders,” the two ministries of lector and acolyte are separate stages on the journey to the priesthood.  

The Diocese of Trenton currently has five seminarians studying at “the Mount,” one of whom — Deacon Michael DeSaye — will be ordained a priest by Bishop O’Connell on June 2 in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. Deacon DeSaye assisted Bishop O’Connell at both Masses.  Many of the parish priests in the Diocese have also studied at the seminary over the years.

Along with Msgr. Thomas Mullelly, diocesan vicar for clergy and consecrated life and director of seminarians, and Father Michael Wallack, episcopal secretary and diocesan director of vocations, Bishop O’Connell shared that he enjoyed meeting with seminarians from all over the country who were gathered for this happy occasion.

Mount St. Mary is the second oldest and the second largest seminary in the United States.

IN THE PHOTO: Bishop O'Connell, center, is pictured with seminarians from the Trenton Diocese who are studing in Mount St. Mary Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md. The seminarians are, from left, Kevin Hrycenko, Chris Ziegler, Deacon Michael DeSaye, Chris Carlo and Bill Clingerman.