54 Seminarians Instituted As Acolytes

On Sunday, March 1st, 54 men in their second year of theology at the North American College were instituted in the ministry of acolyte by His Excellency, Bishop Paul S. Loverde ’65 (below, left), bishop of the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia.

Before the liturgy began, the second-year seminarians processed into the Immaculate Conception chapel wearing their new albs, the liturgical garment proper to acolytes. (The name “alb” comes from the Latin Albus, meaning “white.”) After a few minutes of prayer, the liturgy began as the priests, deacons, James Cardinal Harvey ’75 (Archpriest of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls), and Bishop Loverde processed into the chapel. Bishop Loverde’s homily focused on the call to be transformed in mind, heart, and will by the faithful reception of God in his Word and in the Holy Eucharist.

After the bishop’s homily, Deacon Joseph Farrell ’15 (Diocese of Arlington) called the men to be instituted as acolytes by name and diocese. Each man responded by standing, saying, “Present,” and then bowing to Bishop Loverde. Once all of the men’s names had been called, they each came forward to the bishop and accepted a paten containing unconsecrated hosts as the bishop said: “Take this vessel with bread for the celebration of the Eucharist. Make your life worthy of your service at the table of the Lord and of his Church.”

After Mass, all gathered in the O’Toole refectory for Sunday brunch.

Congratulations to all our new acolytes! We would like to especially thank Bishop Loverde for generously giving of his time to help these men move one step closer to the priesthood!

You can see more pictures from the event here.