4 years as a Catholic, now an Acolyte

Yesterday was my 4 year anniversary as a confirmed Catholic. It seems like just yesterday that I was blogging about my first, my second, and my third anniversaries as a Catholic.

Today I was "installed" as an acolyte. There are several steps along the way to priestly ordination. First, one is installed as a lector. Next, as an acolyte. Thirdly, one is ordained as a deacon. Finally, the ordination to the priesthood takes place. These are usually spaced about a year apart. Last year I was installed as a lector, meaning I am an "official" reader for liturgies, such as Mass. Today, at my installation as an acolyte, I became an "official" server for liturgies, especially Mass where I will assist the priest and deacon.

The servers you see on any given Sunday at Mass, those girls wearing blue jeans and crocs or boys wearing gym shorts and sandals (I've seen it all here in St Louis!), aren't technically acolytes. They're serving as acolytes, but are not themselves actual acolytes. Instituted acolytes, such as myself and my classmates, are allowed to perform several tasks usually reserved to the ordained priests and deacons, if priests or deacons need assistance or are unavailable. We help to purify (that is, to clean) the sacred vessels (the chalices, and other "dishes" used in Mass) after they have been used, we help to distribute communion before lay persons can, we take communion to the sick and home bound, and (this is news to me) we can perform a simple exposition of the Holy Eucharist in a monstrance.

I pray that I will worthily perform these duties. The task of bringing communion to the home bound is especially important for me. The people I visit have been active in their parish for decades, but are now unable to leave their rooms or homes. I have become their only connection to their parish community, and in some cases, to the Church. That is a great responsibility, especially in the later years of their lives.

-Jason