Sunday, October 31, 2010

New Acolytes in Grenada


In the presence of their wives and other family members, six married men were instituted in the order of Acolyte by Bishop Vincent Darius OP, during an October 9 Mass at Blessed Sacrament Church, Grand Anse.
The six new acolytes, in the third year of training for the diaconate, are: Carlyle Glean Jr, Raphael Johnson, Anthony Joseph, Loftus McMillan, Goderick Pierre and Cecil St Louis.
In his homily, Bishop Darius told the newly-instituted acolytes not to limit their ministry to their liturgical duties but to extend it into the wider community.
The permanent diaconate course in the diocese of St George’s, Grenada is being directed by Fr Clifton Harris OP and will end with their ordination as deacons in 2011.
The term “acolyte” was formerly used to denote young men and women (altar servers) who assist at the altar in liturgical celebrations. The ministry of instituted acolyte is a permanent institution. It is the responsibility of the acolyte to prepare the altar and the sacred vessels for Mass. If necessary he also assists with the distribution of Holy Communion. In the absence of a deacon the acolyte carries the sacred vessels to the credence table where he purifies them and returns them to their proper place.

No comments: