Institution of Acolytes
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On Monday 30th November, the Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle, three of our brothers, fr Graham Hunt OP, fr Mark Davoren OP and fr Gregory Pearson OP were instituted as acolytes by the Prior Provincial, fr John Farrell OP, during the Conventual Mass.
The acolyte’s function is to assist the priest and deacon: “it is his duty therefore to attend to the service of the altar and to assist the deacon and the priest in liturgical celebrations, especially in the celebration of Mass”. The acolyte is instituted to assist in the distribution of Holy Communion when there are not enough priests and deacons, to take communion to the sick, and to expose the Blessed Sacrament for the adoration of the faithful. However, the acolyte may not give Benediction. For clerical brothers of religious institutes and seminarians, being instituted as an acolyte is seen as a step towards ordination, God willing, that enables the brother or seminarian to take a more active role in the sacramental and pastoral service of the community.
As he passes from lector to acolyte, the increased intimacy with the Sacrament of the Altar that comes with his being instituted, requires of him a greater
love for the Lord and his Mystical
Body, the Church, so that what is symbolised in the Sacred Liturgy might truly represent the reality of the community. So the acolyte not only assists at the Eucharist but also brings Holy Communion to the sick and housebound helping them to maintain their link with the sacramental life of the Church.
In his homily and address to the candidates, the Provincial pointed out that it was apt that the brothers should be instituted on this feast day, as St. Andrew is shown as the “first acolyte” when he brought the boy with the loaves and fishes to Jesus before the feeding of the five thousand. He went on the instruct the candidates to serve at the altar and in the Church community gracefully and with love.
