Ministry of Acolyte

Posted on 16. Jan, 2013 in Carousel

On Wedneday, 16th January 2013, four seminarians of the Pontifical Irish College were conferred with the Ministry of Acolyte by Archbishop Arthur Roche, Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, in the College Chapel. The new Acolytes are: Conor McCarthy (Diocese of Down and Connor), Matthew Dillon (Diocese of Down and Connor), Stephen Duffy (Diocese of Clogher), and Marius O’Reilly (Diocese of Cork and Ross).

Picture shows Archbishop Roche with the four new Acolytes, and (left to right): Rev. Raymond Donnelly, Deacon for the Mass, Monsignor Ciarán O’Carroll, Rector, Fr Hugh Clifford, Director of Formation, and Fr George Hayes, Vice Rector.

‘As one set aside in a special way for the service of the altar, the acolyte should learn all matters concerning public divine worship and strive to grasp their inner spiritual meaning: in that way he will be able each day to offer himself entirely to God, be an example to all by his gravity and reverence in Church, and have a sincere love for the Mystical Body of Christ, the people of God, especially for the weak and the sick.’ – Pope Paul VI, Apostolic Letter given motu proprio: Ministeria quaedam, 15 August 1972.