Instituted Acolytes

[Robster2354]

Just wondering if anyone knows whether the Institution of Acolytes extends beyond the diocese which they are instituted in? I know someone who was in the seminary and was instituted into the Acolyte and then was asked to leave the seminary and then he changed diocese. Is he still technically an Acolyte?
Thanks

 

[Deacon_Ed]

Technically, yes. The ministries of lector and acolyte are “stable ministries” meaning that once one is installed in them one retains them forever.
Deacon Ed

 

[mosher]

The only exception is if the Bishop of his diocese formally revoked his faculties to act in his ministry. However, just like my case when I left the Seminary I was/am and Instituted Lector (Ministry of Reader) but even tough I am no longer with the Archdiocese I still have the rights and privileges that go with the Ministry until the day they are formally revoked by the Archbishop or one of his successors. Most Bishops wouldn’t even consider revoking those faculties because they have more important things to do.

 

[John_Lilburne]

I agree, the ministry of instituted acolyte is not confined to a given diocese. The Motu Proprio Ministeria Qaedam of 15 August 1972 has: “11. Unless they have already done so, candidates for ordination as deacons and priests are to receive the ministries of reader and acolyte …”. It is not saying “Unless that have already received them in a particular diocese …”. So I see it as a ceremony someone should participate in only once in their life.

 

[mosher]

John Lilburne:

I agree, the ministry of instituted acolyte is not confined to a given diocese. The Motu Proprio Ministeria Qaedam of 15 August 1972 has: “11. Unless they have already done so, candidates for ordination as deacons and priests are to receive the ministries of reader and acolyte …”. It is not saying “Unless that have already received them in a particular diocese …”. So I see it as a ceremony someone should participate in only once in their life.

That is usually the way it works. When a person that left the seminary or was removed from the seminary for some reason is able to re-enter that is one of the questions that is asked of them. That is, if they had received any of the Stable Ministries - or Minor Orders for the East.