CINCINNATI, Ohio — Four of the Diocese of Charlotte’s seminarians became acolytes during a special Mass Nov. 19 at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, where they are studying for eventual ordination to the priesthood.
Seminarians receiving the ministry include Patrick Martin, Bailey Van Nosdall, James Johnson IV and Connor White.
“I could not help but feel a small sense of paternal pride being here tonight,” said Bishop Michael Martin. “Seeing the men taking steps towards deeper and greater dedication to Christ and the Church. To be able to share it with them brings me a lot of joy, and to celebrate a milestone in their lives is important, and I let them know that.”
Seminarians from the Archdioceses of Cincinnati and Louisville as well as the Diocese of Columbus also became acolytes at the Mass where Cincinnati Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr gave the homily.
Ministry of the Acolyte is one of three formal steps required by the Church to being ordained a transitional deacon and later into the priesthood. The new acolytes will assist the deacon and priest at Mass and distribute Holy Communion as an extraordinary minister.
The role of acolyte is now expanded to include the laity as a lay ministry. It continues to be an important step in preparing men for ordination as a priest or deacon.
— Photos provided by Patrick Tarbox, Mount St. Mary’s Seminary
