Three seminarians at Saint Vincent Seminary, Latrobe, Pennsylvania, were instituted into the Ministry of Lector on Wednesday, April 8 by Most Rev. William J. Waltersheid, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, in the Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica. They are from the dioceses of Erie, Pittsburgh and Scranton. Ministry of Lector is one of the steps in their formation toward priesthood. with the role of proclaiming Sacred Scripture during liturgical celebrations, aside from the Gospel.

Joseph J. Preston of the Diocese of Erie is from McKean. He is a 2021 graduate of General McLane High School, Edinboro. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Gannon University, Erie in 2025. His parents are Ronald J. and Antoinette R. Preston of McKean.

Christoph J. Bernas of the Diocese of Pittsburgh is from Carnegie. He is a 2020 graduate of Bishop Canevin High School, Pittsburgh, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2025. He has also studied at Pennsylvania State University. His parents are Bradley and Julia Bernas of Carnegie.

Daniel O’Brien of Apalachin, New York, is studying for the Diocese of Scranton. He is a 2019 graduate of Vestal High School, Vestal, New York. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in aviation management from Marywood University, Scranton. His parents are James D. O’Brien and Kathryn L. O’Brien of Apalachin, New York.