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ST. peter C ath athoo lic li c CHu r ch Monthly Newsletter
PA R I S H ACOLY TE S : SERVING AT MASS AND FINDING A CLOSER WALK WITH CHRIST
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ach weekend Mass here at St. Peter begins with a procession including two or three acolytes, four altar servers, and the priest himself. This beautiful ritual sets a reverent tone and signals the importance of the liturgy that is about to begin. As the coordinator of our parish acolytes, John Kuchta points to the participation of these men as a central part of the Mass experience in our faith community. “When we process into Mass, the reverence of that procession and the support those people give the priest lends itself to the importance of the Mass overall,” John says. Indeed, the support our acolytes provide to our priests during the liturgy is invaluable. Before Mass, they prepare the altar, chalices, and ciboria. During Mass, they help by handling the book and distributing Holy Communion. Afterward, they ensure that everything is cleaned up and put away. While all of these tasks are essential, there is one that stands out to many acolytes as being the most sacred. “You can think of an acolyte as a Master of Ceremonies,” John says. “The acolyte becomes a support for the
Acolytes serving at the altar during Mass at St. Peter.
priest so he can really focus on the Mass. And it’s an awesome responsibility to be able to distribute the Body and Blood to the people, so I consider that to be the main duty of the acolyte.” By serving as an acolyte, John has found his experience of the Mass to be greatly enriched. “It’s much more personal, it’s much more intimate — especially at the consecration,” he says. “You’re right continued on page 2
