CINCINNATI, Ohio — Nine of the Diocese of Charlotte’s seminarians became acolytes during a special Mass Nov. 8 at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, where they are studying for eventual ordination to the priesthood.
Seminarians receiving the ministry include Clement Akerblom, Robert Bauman, Michael Camilleri, John Cuppett, Maximilian Frei, Bryan Ilagor, Bradley Loftin, Michael Lugo and Peter Townsend.
Seminarians from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and Diocese of Toledo also became acolytes.
Ministry of the Acolyte is one of three formal steps required by the Church to being ordained a transitional deacon and later into the priesthood. The new acolytes will assist the deacon and priest at Mass and distribute Holy Communion as an extraordinary minister.
The role of acolyte is now expanded to include the laity as a lay ministry. It continues to be an important step in preparing men for ordination as a priest or deacon.
— Photo provided by Mount St. Mary Seminary