New Acolytes Installed

Sunday, March 13, 2016. Clocks “sprung ahead” in America, marking the beginning of spring, a time of new beginnings. The day also marked a new beginning for the second year class at the College. Men were instituted as acolytes, a significant and important step in their preparation for Holy Orders by bringing them to the altar in service.

His Eminence, James Cardinal Harvey (’75), Archpriest of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, was the celebrant of the Mass and during the Rite presented each candidate with a paten filled with hosts. While doing so, he instructed them: “Take this vessel of bread for the celebration of the Eucharist. Make your lives worthy of your service at the table of the Lord and of His Church.”

In his homily, Cardinal Harvey reminded the seminarians of the importance of conforming their lives to the sacrificial offering taking place. His Eminence described how the various symbols of the liturgy call acolytes on to holiness and used the Sunday’s readings to explain that it is Christ who will do this great work in them and gives the grace necessary for a new beginning.

The community looks forward to the coming weeks when the new acolytes will begin their service during liturgies at the College.

To browse a gallery of photos from the Mass and Installation of Acolytes, click here.