Bishop Olson has announced another opportunity for men in our diocese to be instituted as Acolytes. At St. Philip’s they assist with the Purification of the Sacred Vessels used during Mass, distributing Holy Communion and in other assigned ways such as exposing or reposing the Blessed Sacrament before or after Adoration when no Priest or Deacon is available. Because the ministry has its roots in the formation of ordained clergy, the ministry is reserved to men.
Bishop Olson has expressed his desire that men chosen for this ministry should be experienced sacristans and liturgical ministers. Men must be at least 21 years of age, fully initiated and living an exemplary Christian way of life, with no impediments to sacramental reception, (e.g., if married, one must be in valid union recognized by the Church).
A mandatory training session will be held in Fort Worth on Saturday, February 20 at St. George Catholic Church, and Acolytes will be formally instituted by the Bishop on either March 30 or April 16.
Interested men should contact Deacon Ramiro Rodriguez, [email protected], with an expression of interest. Further details will be provided. Applicants will be submitted to Fr. McDaniel for final approval before attending the training session and Installation Mass. Deadline for applications is February 10.