The fact that the person did not finish the seminary does not matter, and such a remark in OP sounds like gossiping to me. What it matters is that the person is an instituted acolyte.I am not sure about the handling the Blessed Sacrament, yet I am quite sure that he cannot ever deliver the homily.
That is reserved for Catholic clergy, not for the laity.
God Bless
Scylla
Except that with the supression of the Minor Orders, acolytes are no longer clergy. I’ve never even seen a deacon wear one (though I know that they are allowed to).The fact that the person did not finish the seminary does not matter, and such a remark in OP sounds like gossiping to me. What it matters is that the person is an instituted acolyte.
I have seen instituted acolytes wearing the cope. It was a processional vestment allowed for all the ranks of the clergy (pre Paul VI). I guess that instituted people can still wear it.
A lay person can repose the Blessed Sacrament however there are specific instructions on how to.
Reading the OP it appears that the homily is not really an homily (as in during Mass) but a reflection on the scriptures (outside the Mass). Lay people are allowed to do so.
I wear a cope during Benediction. There are other times when a deacon is permitted to wear a cope, but they are rare. A layperson should not wear a cope as that is part of the clerical attire.Except that with the supression of the Minor Orders, acolytes are no longer clergy. I’ve never even seen a deacon wear one (though I know that they are allowed to).
Yes, such a person may repose the Blessed Sacrament (but may not bless the people with the Blessed Sacrament – that would be Benediction and it is reserved to clerics). He should not wear a cope as that is clerical attire. During devotions he may give a reflection even if a deacon is present.Is it acceptable for an institued acolyte, a former seminarian who was asked to leave the seminary, and serving in a parish, to be wearing a cope during devotions or to repose the Blessed Sacrament. And is it acceptable for him to lead and give the homily during devotions when an ordained permanent deacon is present?
The acolyte also has the charism of purifying the vessels at or after mass along with being an EMHC if not enough priests and deacons are present. They would be used before general lay people as EMHC. I believe the acolyte also is to carry the cross in procession. It is for theses reasons (save the last) that the Bishop of Baker has a formation program for acolytes and he Intitutes them into service in his Diocese.Except that with the supression of the Minor Orders, acolytes are no longer clergy. I’ve never even seen a deacon wear one (though I know that they are allowed to).