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Readers Ministry: Sharing God’s Word And Stewardship Gifts With The Parish Community
As Catholics, we are called to celebrate the Holy Mass each Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligation. The Holy Mass has many important parts, and one of those is the readings — for as stated in the second chapter of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, “In the readings, the table of God’s Word is spread before the faithful, and the treasures of the Bible are opened to them” (57).
As the readings are so important, the person proclaiming them is tasked with an essential role. Michael Messineo enjoys fulfilling this role at our parish, having been a reader at St. Peter for more than 20 years.
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“I enjoy sharing the Word of God with fellow parishioners,” Michael says. “It’s helped me to understand more about salvation and the Old Testament history.”
When Michael first came to St. Peter, he asked thenPastor Fr. Michael Christensen how he could get involved. They had known each other from Pius X Catholic High School, where Michael was involved in theatre. Fr. Christensen knew Michael had a gift for public speaking and urged him to get involved in the Reader Ministry. It has been a blessing to Michael ever since.
Michael works to read like he is talking to the congregation or telling a story. He also takes the time to practice the readings before he proclaims them.
“It’s a lot easier to express it, when you have taken the time to read it over, practice, and really study it,” he says.
Numerous studies have shown that many people’s number one fear is public speaking — so, those with a gift should step forward to serve.
“Not everyone can be a reader, but I really enjoy it,” Michael says.
Through all these years of serving as a Reader, Michael also says he has grown in his faith life. And while this ministry, like many others, was on a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, Michael is so happy to be back to sharing God’s Word.
“It has made me a better Christian to understand how God has worked through the centuries, preparing us for the coming of Jesus,” he says.
Michael encourages everyone to get involved at St. Peter Catholic Church, whether as a reader, usher, or Religious Education teacher. We all have our gifts, and we should use them to serve.
“God is so generous,” Michael says. “If you participate in a ministry, especially of the Mass, He will bless you tenfold.”
Robert Downey reads on Holy Thursday.
