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In 1972, Pope
Paul VI revised several ministries and minor clerical orders.
[1]. One ministry that was preserved
was the ministry of the instituted acolyte. While the term
acolyte is at times used when referring to young men and women
who assist at the altar (altar servers), the ministry of
instituted acolyte is a permanent institution. Because the
ministry has its roots in the formation of ordained clergy, the
ministry is reserved to men.
The
instituted acolyte is appointed to assist the deacon and serve
the priest in the celebration of the liturgy. He is an
extraordinary minister of Holy Communion serving only when
sufficient ordinary ministers are not available.
[2] Instituted acolytes, as necessary, may also assist with
the formation of other ministers who assist at the altar.
Because these ministers are dedicated to service at the altar,
they should strive to learn all they can about public divine
worship and strive to grasp its inner spiritual meaning. A
primary responsibility is to assist with the purification of
vessels used in the distribution of Holy Communion.
Cardinal
DiNardo has expressed his desire that men chosen for this
ministry should be experienced sacristans and liturgical
ministers. Men must be at least 21 years of age, fully
initiated and living an exemplary Christian way of life, with no
impediments to sacramental reception, (e.g., if married, one
must be in valid union recognized by the Church).
Pastors
determine the need for instituted acolytes in their parish.
The files below are intended for
either pastor (P), candidate (C), or both (P&C).
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