Peterson receives ministry of lector at St. Meinrad School of Theology

St. Meinrad, IN - Zachary D. Peterson, a seminarian for the Diocese of New Ulm, was one of 10 first-year students studying for the priesthood at Saint Meinrad School of Theology, St. Meinrad, IN, to receive the ministry of lector on Tuesday, February 13, 2007, in the school's St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel. Archbishop Daniel Buechlein, OSB, of Indianapolis, installed the lectors.

Peterson is the son of Dean and Doreen Peterson of Marshall, MN.

The ministry of lector is conferred upon those who prepare and proclaim readings from Scripture at Mass and other liturgical celebrations. A lector also may recite psalms between the readings and present the intentions for the general intercessions.

Saint Meinrad School of Theology offers initial and continuing education for priests, permanent deacons and lay ministers. A two-year pre-theology program leads to a Master of Arts in Catholic Philosophical Studies. The four-year theology program leads to a Master of Divinity degree.

Lay students can earn a master's in Catholic Philosophical Studies, a Master of Arts (Catholic Thought and Life) or a Master of Theological Studies. The Permanent Deacon Formation Program offers academic, spiritual and professional formation to permanent deacon candidates, in partnership with individual dioceses.