Acolytes
This ministry, along with the Christian community, participates in the celebration of the Mass at Funerals. The specific function of the acolyte(s) is to assist the celebrant of the Mass.
St. Agnes Parish has nine (9) acolytes who have undergone specific instruction on both the role of cross bearer and acolyte. This instruction encompassed all the details of preparation of the altar, the gift table, the credence table, the censor and aspergillum and the lighting of the altar candle and the Paschal candle.
If the family has not chosen readers of sacred scripture, the acolyte would ask a member of the community (one who is a present or past lector) to proclaim the word. The acolyte would also ask members of the community (who are current or past) Eucharistic ministers, to be ministers of the cup of the Precious Blood.
With the priest/celebrant, the cross bearer and the acolyte proceed to the front of the church to welcome and greet the family and friends of the deceased and to bless the body of the deceased and offer the very beautiful prayer that reminds all that "...in Baptism we died with Christ; now we rise with Christ to new life..."
The acolyte and cross bearer assist the priest throughout the Eucharistic celebration in much the same way as altar servers do at all Eucharistic celebrations. The exception is the incensing of the altar and the gifts and at the end of Mass, the final incensing and prayer over the body.
After Mass, the acolyte and cross bearer are responsible for the clearing, washing, and storing of sacred vessels; the return of the lectionary to its proper place; and the folding and the storing of the pall.
We encourage others to become part of this ministry. It is the hope of those of us in this ministry, that in some small way we bring the love and comfort of the wider St. Agnes community to those who are grieving. We, at all times, try to do this with dignity and love.
Submitted by
Patricia Driscoll