My Dad was the first lay-Lector at St. Emydius Church in the early 60s, and shortly thereafter was asked to be the head of the Lectos.He recruited candidates, often going into their homes with his tape recorder, to train and critique them. He encouraged me to read at church and I began serving as a Lector in 4th grade at school Masses.
Outside church walls, there is societal and political division. Inside is unity, peace, prayer, sacrifice, and gestures of good will. Proclaiming the Word in this environment has been cathartic for me - and emotional release of stress.
I’ve announced basketball for the USF Dons for the last 37 years and I get the same feeling before Mass as I do before a game - anticipation and the excitement that something special is about to happen. Giving the gift of my time will never come close to the sacrifices that were made for me. I am honored to serve as a Lector at St. Ignatius Church