Monday – February 15, 2016:
fr. Maximilian Avila, OFM Conv. received the minor ministry of Lector. The ceremony took place in the context of Mass with the friars of Immaculate Heart of Mary Friary (Baltimore, MD) present. Friar Max had previously received the ministry of Acolyte, while in study at the St. Bonaventure Friary Post-Novitiate, in Silver Spring, MD.

We send blessings upon Friar Max as he moves forward on his path to priesthood.

Note on Minor Ministries: Prior to 1963 and the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II), during the formation process on the road to the priesthood, men were affirmed to four Minor and three Major Ministries. Now there are two; Acolyte and Lector (Can. 230 §1 and §2) in preparation for the transitional diaconate step prior to the priesthood.  These are two stable “Ordinary” ministries, as opposed to  “Extraordinary” ministries of temporary designation afforded to those not in preparation for the priesthood.