Teen Acolyte

[JGMendes4049]

Is it allowed for dioceses to institute enthusiastic teens as acolytes? Or is it up to each bishop to decide whether that’s allowed? I’m kind of interested in being an acolyte if it’s allowed. I’m already an altar server, I just want to learn and do more. I’ve written a letter to the Office of Lay Ministries in my diocese, and I’m patiently awaiting their reply. What do you all think?

 

[Love_Divine]

Are you talking about “instituted acolytes” or just teenagers who act like one?

My parish used to have actual acolytes, and they were older men. Now we have "junior acolytes (8- 13 years) who act as the candle bearer and cross bearer (Heaven forbid we use a crucifix).

Then we have “senior acolytes” (14 years and up, but it’s usually a 20-something year old with dirty sneakers and his cincture worn down around his hips ) who hold the Missal for the priest.

If you’re talking about intituted acolytes, it varies depending where you are. Some places only permit men who are being ordained to the holy orders.

 

[JGMendes4049]

Are you talking about “instituted acolytes” or just teenagers who act like one?

My parish used to have actual acolytes, and they were older men. Now we have “junior acolytes” (8–13 years) who act as the candle bearer and cross bearer (Heaven forbid we use a crucifix).

Then we have “senior acolytes” (14 years and up, but it’s usually a 20–something year old with dirty sneakers and his cincture worn down around his hips ) who hold the Missal for the priest.

If you’re talking about intituted acolytes, it varies depending where you are. Some places only permit men who are being ordained to the holy orders.

Yes, instituted acolytes. If they’re not instituted, they’re “altar servers,” not acolytes. So it simply depends on the diocese? My parish priest wasn’t sure; that’s why I wrote to the diocese.

 

[Phemie]

Yes, instituted acolytes. If they’re not instituted, they’re “altar servers,” not acolytes. So it simply depends on the diocese? My parish priest wasn’t sure; that’s why I wrote to the diocese.

The requirements are set by the Conference of Catholic Bishops. In the US you have to be 21.

On November 17, 1999, the Latin Rite de iure members of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops approved complementary legislation for canon 230§1 of the Code of Canon Law for the Latin Rite dioceses of the United States.

The action was granted recognitio by the Congregation for Bishops in accord with article 82 of the Apostolic Constitution Pastor Bonus and issued by decree of the Congregation for Bishops signed by His Eminence Lucas Cardinal Moreira Neves, Prefect, and His Excellency Most Reverend Franciscus Monterisi, Secretary, and dated June 14, 2000.

Complementary Norm: The National Conference of Catholic Bishops, in accord with the prescriptions of canon 230§1, hereby decrees that a layman who is to be installed in the ministries of lector or acolyte on a stable basis must have completed his twenty-first (21) year of age. The candidate must also possess the skills necessary for an effective proclamation of the Word or service at the altar, be a fully initiated member of the Catholic Church, be free of any canonical penalty, and live a life which befits the ministry to be undertaken.

 

[JGMendes4049]

The requirements are set by the Conference of Catholic Bishops. In the US you have to be 21.

I see…thanks!

 

[Phemie]

I see…thanks!

You’re welcome. At least you have a chance to attain this. In Canada only men studying for the diaconate (transitional or permanent) may be instituted lectors and acolytes.

 

[PiousTemplar]

Are you talking about “instituted acolytes” or just teenagers who act like one?

My parish used to have actual acolytes, and they were older men. Now we have "junior acolytes (8- 13 years) who act as the candle bearer and cross bearer (Heaven forbid we use a crucifix).

Then we have “senior acolytes” (14 years and up, but it’s usually a 20-something year old with dirty sneakers and his cincture worn down around his hips ) who hold the Missal for the priest.

If you’re talking about intituted acolytes, it varies depending where you are. Some places only permit men who are being ordained to the holy orders.

Isn’t it normal to use a crucifix? That’s why they are called the ‘Crucifer’?

Example:
sthughofcluny.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/107.jpg

 

[JGMendes4049]

Isn’t it normal to use a crucifix? That’s why they are called the ‘Crucifer’?

I believe so; my parish uses a crucifix.

 

[Domnall]

I’m sorry if this is off topic…but what exactly does an “instituted acolyte” do that is different from an ordinary altar server?

 

[John_Lilburne]

I’m sorry if this is off topic…but what exactly does an “instituted acolyte” do that is different from an ordinary altar server?

From the 2002 General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) approved for the USA, which can be accessed from romanrite.com/girm.html :

“187. The duties that the acolyte may carry out are of various kinds and several may coincide. Hence, it is desirable that these duties be suitably distributed among several acolytes. If, however, only one acolyte is present, he should perform the more important duties while the rest are to be distributed among several ministers.”

“191. A duly instituted acolyte, as an extraordinary minister, may, if necessary, assist the priest in giving Communion to the people.100 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.”

“249. … The deacon, however, consumes at the altar all that remains of the Precious Blood, assisted, if necessary, by some of the concelebrants. He carries the chalice to the credence table and there he or a duly instituted acolyte purifies, wipes and arranges it in the usual way.”

“279. The sacred vessels are purified by the priest, the deacon, or an instituted acolyte after Communion or after Mass, insofar as possible at the credence table. The purification of the chalice is done with water alone or with wine and water, which is then drunk by whoever does the purification. The paten is usually wiped clean with the purificator.”

 

[Phemie]

I’m sorry if this is off topic…but what exactly does an “instituted acolyte” do that is different from an ordinary altar server?

An instituted acolyte may purify the vessels, the only lay person allowed to do so; he is also the first choice to be an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion if one is necessary.

 

[Love_Divine]

I believe so; my parish uses a crucifix.

Mine doesn’t. We use a cross, despite having a crucifix too. We used to have a crucifix above the sancuary too, but now we have cross. Come to think about it. we don’t have any type of crucifix in plain view.

 

[JGMendes4049]

I’m sorry if this is off topic…but what exactly does an “instituted acolyte” do that is different from an ordinary altar server?

They can, of course, do all the things an altar server can do. In addition, they can purify the sacred vessels, and if necessary, are the first choice in EMHCs.

 

[Dicerning]

I just became a lector for my diocese on my journey towards (god willing( the diaconate. It has taken us 3 years of Graduate level theology thus far. My diocese requires a Masters for the diaconate.

As far as the Lectorate goes…it is mostly just a formal step in the process of holy orders. It used to be one of the 4 minor orders of the priesthood but that was suppressed in the early 70s.

I believe the former minor orders were Porer, exorcist, lector and acolyte.

 

[puzzleannie]

Is it allowed for dioceses to institute enthusiastic teens as acolytes? Or is it up to each bishop to decide whether that’s allowed? I’m kind of interested in being an acolyte if it’s allowed. I’m already an altar server, I just want to learn and do more. I’ve written a letter to the Office of Lay Ministries in my diocese, and I’m patiently awaiting their reply. What do you all think?

as opposed to bored teens?

does you diocese even have this office active for teens or anyone? yes it is up to each bishop

for my part I would like to see these offices re-instituted formally in all dioceses as it would eliminate lay “extraordinary” ministers

 

[John_Lilburne]

You’re welcome. At least you have a chance to attain this. In Canada only men studying for the diaconate (transitional or permanent) may be instituted lectors and acolytes.

According to the 1972 Motu Proprio, Ministeria Quaedam (at ewtn.com/library/papaldoc/p6minors.htm ):
“2. What up to now were called minor orders are henceforth to be called ministries.
3. Ministries may be assigned to lay Christians; hence they are no longer to be considered as reserved to candidates for the sacrament of orders.
4. Two ministries, adapted to present-day needs, are to be preserved in the whole Latin Church, namely, those of reader and acolyte. …”

So I have difficulty accepting that a Catholic Bishops Conference can have an official policy that the ministry of instituted acolyte is reserved to candidates for the sacrament of orders.

 

[Phemie]

According to the 1972 Motu Proprio, Ministeria Quaedam (at ewtn.com/library/papaldoc/p6minors.htm ):
“2. What up to now were called minor orders are henceforth to be called ministries.
3. Ministries may be assigned to lay Christians; hence they are no longer to be considered as reserved to candidates for the sacrament of orders.
4. Two ministries, adapted to present-day needs, are to be preserved in the whole Latin Church, namely, those of reader and acolyte. …”

So I have difficulty accepting that a Catholic Bishops Conference can have an official policy that the ministry of instituted acolyte is reserved to candidates for the sacrament of orders.

This is what Canon Law says:

Can. 230 §1.** Lay men who possess the age and qualifications established by decree of the conference of bishops** can be admitted on a stable basis through the prescribed liturgical rite to the ministries of lector and acolyte.

The CCCB has decreed that the qualification required was to be studying for the diaconate or priesthood.

 

[Teen_Acolyte]

Yes teenagers can be instituted fully into the minor order of Acolyte

I am sixteen and was instituted as an Acolyte yesterday, however this was under special circumstances, the Vicar general of the dioceses approved me to be instituted. I have been an alter sever for the past 5 years in my parish and i belive serving on the alter of the Lord has made me who i am today and i encourage others to do the same.

it is possible for a teenager to be an Acolyte and i am now the youngest acolyte in my diocese

 

[Phemie]

Yes teenagers can be instituted fully into the minor order of Acolyte

I am sixteen and was instituted as an Acolyte yesterday, however this was under special circumstances, the Vicar general of the dioceses approved me to be instituted. I have been an alter sever for the past 5 years in my parish and i belive serving on the alter of the Lord has made me who i am today and i encourage others to do the same.

it is possible for a teenager to be an Acolyte and i am now the youngest acolyte in my diocese

So which was conferred on you, a minor order or an instituted ministry?

You don’t give your location but in the US and Canada, by decree of the Bishops’ Conferences, no man under 21 is to be instituted to those ministries because it’s an adult ministry. What special circumstances made your VG decide to make an exception for you?

 

[Teen_Acolyte]

So which was conferred on you, a minor order or an instituted ministry?

You don’t give your location but in the US and Canada, by decree of the Bishops’ Conferences, no man under 21 is to be instituted to those ministries because it’s an adult ministry. What special circumstances made your VG decide to make an exception for you?

Firstly I live in Australia,
secondly it has been deemed by the Parish Priest, the Vicar General and The Bishop that i Have the nessisary strong faith,charisms and maturity to carry out the ministry of Acolyte in the dioceses
also with a diminishing number of people involved with the ministry of acolyte in the dioceses.

Quote VG " Yes the rules must be followed, however in circumstances of a young person with exceptional faith and the gifts needed to carry out the ministry of Acolyte, the rules can be bent".