16 Seminarians Instituted as Acolytes

Our community celebrated the Institution of Acolytes for 16 of our seminarians from 10 dioceses on Wednesday, January 20. The seminarians are appointed to the ministry of acolyte as an important step on their journey to receiving the sacrament of Holy Orders. We are grateful to Most Reverend Jeffrey Grob, Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of Chicago, for celebrating the Acolyte Mass.

The acolyte attends to the service of the altar, assisting the deacon and the priest during liturgical celebrations, especially in preparing the altar for the Eucharist at Mass. The role of the acolyte is similar to the duties carried out by an altar server and an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, however, as installed acolytes, they now assist at the altar at which they will one day preside. In addition, an acolyte is entrusted with the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament for adoration, but an acolyte may not offer Benediction.

The 16 seminarians will now begin serving as acolytes during community liturgies.

“Undoubtedly, today can not be viewed as a mere step in some process…something to just check off the list on the way to being ordained as a deacon and a priest. It has to be something more—something much more. And for you who stood up—it is our prayer—it is my prayer–that it is in fact the case with you…something much more. So that every time you assist at the altar it is done with intention…Be attentive to what you are doing now—to what you are preparing for now. Now is the time to commit yourself ever more deeply to be preparing not only the gifts at the altar, but to be boldly preparing yourselves, as well.”

-Bishop Jeffrey Grob

Please keep our new Acolytes in your prayers.
God of Mercy, through your only Son, you entrusted the bread of life to your Church. Bless our brothers who have been chosen for the ministry of acolyte. Grant that they may be faithful in the service of your altar and in giving to others the Bread of Life; may they grow always in faith and love, and so build up your Church. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Institution
Each candidate approaches the Bishop, who gives him the paten with bread to be consecrated saying:
Take this vessel with bread for the celebration of the Eucharist. Make your life worthy of your service at the table of the Lord and of His Church.