Deacon Candidates Installed as Acolytes

Deacon Candidates installed as acolytes

On Saturday, September 12, Bishop Scott Bullock presided at Mass which included the Institution as Acolyte for the current diaconate candidates in formation. The Rite of Institution as Acolyte is one of the steps toward potential ordination as a permanent deacon. The three main areas of service the Church defines for the diaconate are ministers of word, liturgy, and charity.

The rite of the Institution of Acolytes reminds the candidates “the summit and source of the Church’s life is the Eucharist, which builds up the Christian community and makes it grow. It is your responsibility to assist priests and deacons in carrying out their ministry, and as special ministers to give Holy Communion to the faithful at the liturgy and to the sick.”

Bishop Bullock placed the paten, which contains the hosts for the celebration of Mass, in the hands of each candidate. He then said, “Take this vessel with bread for the celebration of the Eucharist. Make your life worthy of your service at the table of the Lord and of his Church.”

Deacon candidates are Frank Birkholt, Hot Springs; Todd Curtis, Piedmont; Eugene Iron Shell, Rosebud; John Talcott, Spearfish; and Steve Van Mullem, Ft. Pierre.