ASK THE ACOLYTE

Mark Biolo

Okay, just what is an "acolyte"??!

Well, I’m not surprised you asked, as this term is probably not familiar to many in the parish. The term "acolyte", which comes from the Greek akoloutheou ("to follow"), denotes the office or ministry of those who assist at the altar and at other liturgical functions. The term "acolyte" originally applied to those ordained into the highest of the four minor orders that were suppressed by Pope Paul VI after the Second Vatican Council with the promulgation of Ministeria Quaedam. The term is still in use, however, to signify those who are instituted in this ministry in a permanent or transitory manner (as is the case with those studying for the priesthood) to assist the celebrant at Mass and to assist in the distribution of Holy Communion. Since this is a ministry or order established by the Church to fill a particular need at a particular time, it has never been considered a sacrament. Rather, it is seen as a sharing in the ministry of the deacon. The above-mentioned document of Paul VI also states that acolytes may be called "subdeacons" according to the wishes of the regional or national episcopal conferences.

The symbols of this order/ministry are candlesticks and candles and the cruets used for the wine and water at Mass.

I’m guessing you are also wondering what a "sacristan" is. The term comes from the Latin sacristia, referring to a room adjacent to the sanctuary containing requisite materials for the celebration of the liturgy (that is, the sacristy). "Sacristan" is the title of the person who is responsible for caring for the contents of the church related to liturgical worship such as vestments, candles, vessels, books, etc.