The Ministry of Acolyte marks an important step in formation for men pursuing vocations to the Priesthood and Permanent Diaconate.

On Saturday, May 7th, 15 seminarians concluding their second year of graduate theological studies and 15 candidates for the Permanent Diaconate will be instituted into the Rite of Acolyte. 

Bishop David O’Connell, C.M., Bishop of Trenton, will be the celebrant and homilist.

Saturday, May 7, 2016
10:00 a.m. Mass
Chapel of Saint Martin of Tours
Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary
100 East Wynnewood Road
Wynnewood, PA 19096 (Montgomery County)

The institution of Acolyte is one of the steps toward Holy Orders. After receiving this rite, the candidates can formally assist ordained priests and deacons in a liturgical service or procession. An acolyte’s duty is to serve at the altar and to assist as needed in the celebration of Mass. He may also act as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at Mass and distribute the Eucharist to the sick. An acolyte may be entrusted with publicly exposing the Blessed Sacrament for adoration. He may also take care of instructing other faithful appointed to assist the priest or deacon by carrying the missal, cross, candles, and similar functions.

Permanent Deacons are married or single men ordained to serve the Church by proclaiming the Gospel, preaching to the people, presiding at baptism, administering the Eucharist, and blessing marriages.

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 Editor’s Note: For more information on Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, please visit http://www.scs.edu/.

Contact:

Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747 (office)