Six new acolytes instituted for the Archdiocese

By Josh Low

Six men from across the Archdiocese were last month instituted to the ministry of Acolyte by Archbishop Julian at Hobart’s St Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday 23 June.

Office of Youth Evangelisation Director, Darcy Rogers (Campbell Town Parish), Massimo Rigoli, Simon-Pieter Doodeman, Raphael Anyie (Cathedral Parish), Lachlan Clough and Michael Pieri (Mersey-Leven Parish) were the six instituted to serve in their respective parishes.

The role of instituted acolytes which they now hold, focuses on assisting the priest and/or deacon in liturgical celebrations, particularly during the holy sacrifice of the Mass.

This ministry is distinct from that of altar servers, though they may also serve in that capacity.

An instituted acolyte may assist with the preparation of the altar, the distribution of Holy Communion and the purification of the sacred vessels after Communion.

Following his homily, Archbishop Julian called on the six to reflect on their role and function as acolytes.

“Brothers, those to be installed as acolytes today, I say to you: understand that in this ministry at the altar you are being drawn to serve the Eucharistic mystery more closely,” he said.

“Always preserve great reverence for the Real Presence of our risen Lord.

“May this ministry be a means by which you come into a deeper and more personal union with your Eucharistic Lord.”

Lachlan Clough of the Mersey-Leven Parish said being instituted as an acolyte was ‘a great privilege’.

He explained that his interest in the area developed following his confirmation into the Catholic Church several years ago and following an invitation by former parish priest Fr Jaison Kuzhiyil.

“It’s just a great privilege for me personally to help serve the parish with the best of my ability and to provide assistance to my Parish Priest and fellow parishioners as well,” he said.

Having served at the altar for many years, both in Queensland and locally, Michael Pieri of the Mersey-Leven Parish said the liturgy is something he is passionate about.

Following a conversation with Parish Priest Fr Sunil de Silva, he too decided to undergo the necessary training and preparation for the ministry.

“The training course was very, very interesting,” he said.

“A lot of stuff I knew, but it was good having a bit of a refresher of getting all the up-to-date information.

“Now I just hope to keep serving and working with Fr Sunil to help in any way I can.”