Our new Acolyte

It was a few weeks back that Dave Graef was one of nine men installed as an acolyte for the Omaha Archdiocese. In 1972 when Pope Paul VI proclaimed Ministeria Quaedam he eliminated the minor orders but retained the use of Acolytes (though this ministry was adopted to present day needs.)

Acolyte is a permanent office and ministry overseen by the bishop. It is required of anyone who will be ordained deacon. The acolyte exercises some to all of the service of both servers and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, even at the same liturgy. He may also help purify the sacred vessels after Communion given during Mass at the priest’s direction and then help others with the proper cleansing of them afterward.

After suitable formation, they are instituted as acolytes by the bishop during Mass. They are mandated by him as extraordinary ministers of Communion to assist the pastor in a designated parish. When one exercises ministry throughout a given liturgy, he wears the alb and sits in or near the sanctuary. When an acolyte only gives Holy Communion during Mass as an extraordinary minister, he does this in the same manner as the other ministers.

Here are a couple of the prayers from the liturgy. First, the blessing given to all those who will be instituted:

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. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Then the words of the bishop speaks as the candidate kneels and receives the ceborium.

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.
Amen

 We congratulate all the men as they have been installed as acolytes.

We pray for them as they and the Church discern whether or

not they have been called to serve the Church as deacons.