Sunday, March 13, 2011

Instituted Acolytes

On Sunday, March 6th, my classmates and I were instituted to the ministry of Acolyte. In practice, this means that we are now able to assist at the celebration of the Eucharist, purify the sacred vessels and, when needed, to assist with the distribution of Holy Communion, as the rite indicates. In theory, however, we have taken one step closer to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ.


The ceremony itself is quite a beautiful event at the college as 54 men are robed in albs and lined up in the chapel to receive the ministry. It brings hope and joy to the hearts of our guests, those at the college, and particularly those receiving the ministry as it bears witness to the vibrant life of the Church. We often hear of the negatives of the Church, the struggles, all in a very depressing manner. Like priestly ordinations, the institution of 54 Acolytes speaks loud and clear—that the Catholic Church is very much alive! The Holy Spirit continues to guide the Church, as it will until the end of time, through thick and thin.


The ministry of Acolyte is all about service—at the altar of sacrifice and the altar of the world. One of my greatest hopes about becoming a priest and serving as a pastor in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee is that I will always remember to be a servant. That, like Christ, I will empty myself to the Father and to the people I serve. As I was instituted to the ministry of Acolyte, I was given the great grace of a renewed zeal and excitement for the priesthood. In these years of preparation, I often find myself longing for the day when I will be able to dive into the ministry of the priest and, with the help of God, become an instrument for God to enter into the lives of His people, and vice-versa. As the rite proclaims, “Take this vessel of bread for the celebration of the Eucharist. Make your lives worthy of your service at the table of the Lord and of his Church.” Please pray for me, and my classmates, that we may do just that.