Congratulations, Nelson Abreu!

We offer our prayerful congratulations to Nelson on receiving the ministry of Acolyte from Bishop O’Connell at St. Ann’s Church, Lawrenceville, on December 13. It is a final step toward Nelson’s eventual Ordination as a Deacon. In the Church’s history, the role of acolyte was considered one of the “minor orders” leading to ordination to the diaconate and priesthood. In 1973 Pope Paul VI abolished “minor orders” but kept the role of acolyte, referring to it instead as a “ministry.”

An acolyte attends to the service of the altar to assist the deacon and the priest in liturgical celebrations, especially at Mass. He may also, to the extent needed, instruct others who carry out these duties on a temporary basis, e.g. carrying the missal, cross, candles, assisting as a thurifer (incense bearer), etc.

An acolyte is also entrusted with distributing Holy Communion to the sick. He may also expose and repose the Blessed Sacrament for periods of Eucharistic adoration but is not permitted to impart Eucharistic Benediction.

While this ministry is always given to men studying to become priests or deacons but can also be given to men who have no intention of being ordained. In 2021, Pope Francis opened this ministry to women. While the Church defines acolytes in this official way, the term is commonly used when referring to altar servers and specifically, those who carry the candles at Mass.

Nelson has already been carrying out many of these functions, but he is now officially entrusted with them by the Bishop as he progresses to his diaconate ordination. Congratulations to our ever faithful Nelson. May the Lord grant you the grace of perseverance and joy in serving Him!