There are different ways of serving, but the same Lord is served." — Cor 12:5

The role of the ministry of acolytes in the Church is sacred; at the same time, it helps to facilitate worship. Etymologically, the term "acolyte" originates from the Greek word akoluthos, meaning "server," "companion" or "follower." Acolytes assist the anyone is deacon or priest at the altar. Their ministry therefore anchors on service to the Church and the people of God.

The ministry of acolytes is classified within the minor order. It forms part of the canonical requirements: "Before promoted to the office of a permanent or transitional diaconate, he is required to have received the ministries of lector and acolyte and to have exercised them for a suitable period" (Canon 1035). The seminarian exercises the office of lector for a while, before being promoted to the highest rank of the minor order, which is the acolyte. This promotion is a stepping stone in the formation of the seminarians to the Catholic priesthood. Moreover, vocation to the priesthood is a call to service. Formation of seminarians from the start to the end gears toward service to God and humanity. The Church strives to inculcate in the seminarian at the different levels of formation the sense of service.

The role of the acolytes in a liturgical celebration is indispensable, hence they serve as ministers of the altar and render invaluable help to the deacon and the priest. Acolytes prepare wine and water for the sacrifice of the Mass. If Communion is given under both kinds, when no deacon is present, the acolyte administers the chalice to the communicants or holds the chalice if Communion is given by intinction. 1 They also distribute Holy Communion outside of Mass and help the deacon and priest purify the vessels used to distribute it. They may also administer communion to the sick or homebound. The duty of the acolytes flows from the "baptismal priesthood" and "service to the community." Thus the two pillars represent the foundation of the institution of the ministries (Francis, Apostolic Exhortation Querida Amazonia, n, 103). The General Instructions of the Roman Missal confirms this fact, "In the absence of an instituted acolyte, lay ministers may be deputed to serve at the altar and assist the priest and the deacon; they may carry the cross, the candles, the thurible, the bread, the wine, and the water, and they may also be deputed to distribute Holy Communion as extraordinary ministers" (100).

St. Gabriel the Archangel is blessed with Mass Captains, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EM), and Altar Servers, who serve as acolytes when they prepare for Holy Mass and serve from the procession up to the recession. Faith formation becomes an integral component of an acolyte's experience as he becomes proficient in assimilating liturgical practices and gaining insights into the significance of rituals and symbols used in worship. An acolyte's formation often includes understanding the meaning behind the Eucharist, the significance of the liturgical calendar, and the role of the Church in the world. Throughout this development, an acolyte develops a deeper appreciation of his faith, thus nourishing his vocation to the priesthood and religious life.

Moreover, serving as an acolyte instills essential values such as discipline, respect, and teamwork. Acolytes learn to work together with clergy and other members of the ministry team, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. The experience of serving in this capacity can be empowering, to the point of encouraging people to take on leadership roles in the Church and beyond.

Finally, the ministry of acolyte plays a vital role in the life of the Church. The acolyte's responsibilities, though seemingly minor, are essential in setting the tone for reverence, and contributing to the overall worship experience. The acolytes assist the clergy during worship to create a conducive atmosphere that ensures harmony and effectivity in service, thereby facilitating the clergy's focus on the spiritual dimension of worship. Their active participation in worship enriches their own spiritual lives and contributes to the growth of the Church. Thus, as acolytes light the candles and carry the cross, they carry forward the light of faith with the rare challenge-to be a beacon of light in a darkened world.

The question then arises: Will you take up this challenge ... to respond to the call of service-to consider accepting the role of Mass Captain, EM, and/or Altar Servers for the growth of the community, and in so doing, to grow deeper into intimacy with Christ.

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