« More on Iraq | Main | Ground speed? »

December 18, 2003

Guest Question(s)

[Ed: In some email correspondance with the Gray Monk I had mentioned that I was seeking to be trained in my local church as an acolyte, hence the questions below...]

a) Why an Acolyte? I'm sure that you could qualify for Lay Deacon at least.

I'll start with the technical definitions:
Acolyte:

An acolyte is a cleric promoted to the fourth and highest minor order in the Latin Church, ranking next to a subdeacon. The chief offices of an acolyte are to light the candles on the altar, to carry them in procession, and during the solemn singing of the Gospel; to prepare wine and water for the sacrifice of the Mass; and to assist the sacred ministers at the Mass, and other public services of the Church. In the ordination of an acolyte the bishop presents him with a candle, extinguished, and an empty cruet, using appropriate words expressive of these duties. Altar boys are often designated as acolytes and perform the duties of such. The duties of the acolyte in Catholic liturgical services are fully described in the manuals of liturgy, e.g. Pio Matinucci, "Manuale Sacrarum Caeremoniarum" (Rome, 1880), VI, 625; and De Herdt, "Sacrae Liturgiae Praxis" (Louvain, 1889), II, 28-39.

Deacon:

It began with the seven Deacons. The historical beginning of Deacon ministry is recorded in Acts (6:1-6). At that time the number of disciples was growing. Friction developed between the Greek & Hebrew followers because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. So the twelve apostles called together the community of disciples and said, “It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table. Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task, whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and ministry of the word.� The proposal was accepted by the whole community, so they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, also Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parenas, and Nicholas of Antioch. They presented these men to the Apostles who prayed and laid hands on them. The term that was used to describe Stephen and the others selected was the Greek word diacona, which is translated as servant or minister. This is the root of the word Deacon.

For more information try: Australian Catholic Deacons Association.

b) Who selects them in the RC Diocese of Sydney?
AFAIK an acolyte can be appointed at any time by a priest or higher. Effectively an acolyte is an alter server and is not ordained (i.e. it is a minor order). Selection of a deacon is more complex and includes (again AFAIK) theological education.

c) What are the qualities they look for?
Now we get the easy ones. Try this link for all the details and this one for the precise requirements.

d) Are they members of the Guild of St Stephen?
There is a lay organisation in Australia called the "Guild of St. Stephen" but I have no idea if it is associated with deacons (or acolytes). There is no mention of the guild in the other pages I found on deacons. Interestingly, in the UK, the Guild of St. Stephen does cover acolytes: try this link.

Whew. I had to do quite a bit of searching and I hope that the answers are what you were looking for ....

Posted by Ozguru at December 18, 2003 11:12 PM

Comments

Thank you for the complete and informative answer. The Guild of St Stephen is active in the UK and issues a small book on the various offices and actions required by Servers, Acolytes and others "serving" at the Altar. in the rites used since Vatican II, I will acquire and send a copy. I have a book on the Church in the Medieval period, which lists as an "example" an ordination service at which 143 Priests were "made", 180 Deacons likewise and 468 Acolytes. Must have taken all day, especially as it seems to have included the taking of vows by a large number of monks, novices and other assorted persons.

Posted by: The Gray Monk at December 18, 2003 11:12 PM