I’m an acolyte at our church and thought maybe I could write down a few things for non-Catholics on what that means – specifically to me. First, what is an acolyte?
The official definition from britannica.com, states:
…”in the Roman Catholic church, a person is installed in a ministry in order to assist the deacon and priest in liturgical celebrations, especially the eucharistic liturgy.”
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:
Paragraph:
903 Lay people who possess the required qualities can be admitted permanently to the ministries of lector and acolyte. 436 When the necessity of the Church warrants it and when ministers are lacking, lay persons, even if they are not lectors or acolytes, can also supply for certain of their offices, namely, to exercise the ministry of the word, to preside over liturgical prayers, to confer Baptism, and to distribute Holy Communion in accord with the prescriptions of law.” 437 – CatholicCulture.org
So in layman’s terms, acolytes can assist during the Catholic Mass as well as help distribute the Eucharist (Jesus – Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity) to those who can’t attend The Holy Mass.
I find my role a huge Blessing, and like most Acolytes I know, don’t feel worthy to be given such a gift or responsibility. I’m a sinner, and personally am uncomfortable on the Altar in front of a crowd. But there are many times when ‘think’ I hear the Holy Spirit and thought I’d share my experiences from the ‘Best seat in the House’ – next to the Altar during the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass.
I imagine this to be an ongoing reflection, being most helpful for those who need something underwhelming to help them fall asleep at night ;-), but I will start with one story from this morning.
As the priest, the altar servers and I left the Mass and went back to the Sacristy (place where we all essentially get ready for Mass), a little girl looked at me with a big smile and waved. I thought, maybe I remind her of Jesus (I have long hair and a beard). Then I heard the Holy Spirit say, ‘You just received Jesus in the Eucharist – she sees Him IN you.’ I thought, Is it impossible for God to change His appearance in my body and appear to her as Himself? -Nope. I don’t believe she saw me – she saw Our Lord walking with us. That or maybe she was trying to tell me I had food stuck in my beard… Eh, I’m hopeful it was the former.