Brother Kevin Cush, O. de M., of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy was installed as a lector on Saturday, Jan. 24 at Columbus Holy Family Church during the parish’s 9 a.m. Mass.
The Mass was celebrated by Father Matthew Phelan, O. de M., vicar provincial of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy in the United States whose members are commonly known as the Mercedarian Friars. Father Phelan serves as pastor at Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Philadelphia.
Also present for the Mass were Mercedarian Fathers Michael Donovan, O. de M., pastor at Holy Family Church, and Daniel Bowen, O. de M., the order’s vocation director. Servers included Seamus O’Malley, Joseph Rudolph and Chris Yankay.
Brother Kevin, 26, processed into Holy Family Church on Jan. 24 with the Mercedarian Friars and was called forward during Mass by Father Phelan.
A Bible was brought forward and given to the Mass’ celebrant. Brother Kevin knelt before Father Phelan, who presented him the Sacred Scriptures. Receiving the Bible symbolized reception of the Ministry of Lector.
A lector is appointed to read the Sacred Scriptures, with the exception of the gospels, during Mass and other sacred liturgies.
Lectors can recite responsorial psalms in the absence of a cantor and read the Prayers of the Faithful, or intentions. Brother Kevin recited the Prayers of the Faithful during Mass after receiving the ministry.
Lectors also assume responsibility to instruct the faithful to read from Scripture during liturgies.
Brother Kevin, a native of northeast Ohio, is a seminarian at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus. He professed his first vows at Holy Family Church in August 2023.
The Mercedarian Friars, founded in 1218 by St. Peter Nolasco, are an international community of priests and brothers. Members live lives of prayer and communal fraternity based on the Rule of St. Augustine.
Mercedarians take traditional vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, and an additional fourth vow to give oneself up for individuals whose faith is in danger. Primary ministries include parochial (parish) service, education, and hospital and prison chaplaincy.
The order has nine provinces established worldwide: Rome, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico and two in Spain. The United States vicariate, which falls under the Roman province, includes locations in Philadelphia; St. Petersburg, Florida; Le Roy, New York; Cleveland; and Columbus.