2 minute read
Parish Acolytes: Serving At Mass And Finding A Closer Walk With Christ
Each weekend Mass here at St. Peter begins with a procession including two or three acolytes, four altar servers, and the priest himself. This beautiful ritual sets a reverent tone and signals the importance of the liturgy that is about to begin. As the coordinator of our parish acolytes, John Kuchta points to the participation of these men as a central part of the Mass experience in our faith community.
“When we process into Mass, the reverence of that procession and the support those people give the priest lends itself to the importance of the Mass overall,” John says.
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Indeed, the support our acolytes provide to our priests during the liturgy is invaluable. Before Mass, they prepare the altar, chalices, and ciboria. During Mass, they help by handling the book and distributing Holy Communion. Afterward, they ensure that everything is cleaned up and put away.
While all of these tasks are essential, there is one that stands out to many acolytes as being the most sacred.
“You can think of an acolyte as a Master of Ceremonies,” John says. “The acolyte becomes a support for the priest so he can really focus on the Mass. And it’s an awesome responsibility to be able to distribute the Body and Blood to the people, so I consider that to be the main duty of the acolyte.”
By serving as an acolyte, John has found his experience of the Mass to be greatly enriched.
Acolytes serving at the altar during Mass at St. Peter.
“It’s much more personal, it’s much more intimate — especially at the consecration,” he says. “You’re right there and you see how the priest reverently changes bread and wine into the Body and Blood. There really is something that happens that I can’t describe, and you get this warm feeling. It continues to be a very powerful thing for me.”
Our parish is blessed to have 32 active acolytes and 12 substitutes who have been trained and instituted by the Diocese of Lincoln. Any man between the ages of 21 and 75 who is in good standing with the Catholic Church is able to pursue serving as an acolyte. In addition to closer participation in the Mass, acolytes have a unique opportunity to build relationships with one another and with our parish priests. They are also invited to participate in a special time of formation and prayer each year.
Knowing firsthand the abundant blessings that come with serving as an acolyte, John would encourage any male parishioner to prayerfully consider filling this important role in the Church.
“It’s a great service,” John says. “I’ve done it for many years, and it’s still my privilege to be able to serve at Mass. I try every opportunity I can to be available to do that. It’s a great way for men in the parish to be closer to God. We’re looking for a few good men!”
Fr. Clark washes feet at the Holy Thursday Mass.
Acolyte, Don Hegemann, holds the Roman Missal during Mass.
