Faith Seeking Understanding
 Institution of an Acolyte
 Email: meripper@carr.org



General Norms for
Restoring the
Permanent Diaconate


Basic Norms for
the Formation
of Permanent Deacons


Directory for the
Ministry and Life
of Permanent
Deacons


Archdiocese of
Baltimore


Additional
Resources


up Liturgy of the Word
The readings may be taken in whole or in part from the Mass of the day.

1st Reading

Responsorial Psalm

2nd Reading

Gospel

up Calling of the Candidates
Bishop: Those to be instituted in the ministry of acolyte please come forward.
The candidates are called by name

Candidate: Present.
up Homily
Bishop may conclude with:
Dear sons in Christ, as people chosen for the ministry of acolyte, you will have a special role in the Church's ministry. The summit and source of the Church's life is the eucharist, which builds up the Christian community and makes it grow. It is your responsibility to assist priests and deacons in carrying out their ministry, and as special ministers to give holy communion to the faithful at the liturgy and to the sick. Because you are specially called to this ministry, you should strive to live more fully by the Lord's sacrifice and to be molded more perfectly in its likeness. You should seek to understand the deep spiritual meaning of what you do, so that you may offer yourselves daily to God as spiritual sacrifices acceptable to him through Jesus Christ.

In performing your ministry bear in mind that, as you share the one bread with your brothers and sisters, so you form one body with them. Show a sincere love for Christ's Mystical Body, God's holy people, and especially for the weak and the sick. Be obedient to the commandment which the Lord gave to his apostles at the Last Supper: "Love one another as I also have loved you."
up Invitation to Prayer
Bishop:
Brothers and sisters, let us pray to the Lord for those chosen by him to serve in the ministry of acolyte. Let us ask him to fill them with his blessing and strengthen them for faithful service in his Church.

God of mercy
through your only Son
you entrusted the bread of life to your Church.
Bless + our brothers
who have been chosen for the ministry of acolyte.
Grant that they may be faithful
in the service of your altar
and in giving to others the bread of life;
may they grow always in faith and love,
and so build up your Church.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
up Institution
Each candidate goes to the bishop

Bishop (Gives him a vessel with the bread or wine to be consecrated and says)

Take this vessel with bread (wine)
for the celebration of the eucharist.
Make your life worthy of your service
at the table of the Lord and of his Church.

Acolyte: Amen.

Continue with the Profession of Faith