Diocesan seminarians Joe Moschetto, Peter McShurley and Joseph Townsend received the ministry of the acolyte in the Immaculate Conception Chapel of the Pontifical North American College in Rome Feb. 25. The seminarians are in their second year of theology studies at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.

“It's a joy to be one step closer to Our Lord on the altar, and it’s truly an inspiration to reflect on the words from the rite: ‘Make your life worthy of your service at the table of the Lord and of his Church,’” said Townsend.

Acolytes are appointed by the church to assist the deacon and the priest, according to Father Joel D. Jaffe, Arlington diocesan vocations director. Acolytes assist as needed in the celebration of Mass, serve as extraordinary ministers of holy Eucharist, publicly expose the Blessed Sacrament for adoration but not giving benediction. “He may also, to the extent needed, take care of instructing other faithful who by appointment assist the priest or deacon by carrying the missal, cross, candles and similar functions,” said Father Jaffe.

Townsend is a parishioner of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in Fredericksburg; Moschetto is a parishioner of Our Lady of Hope Church in Potomac Falls; and McShurley is a parishioner of St. John the Baptist Church in Front Royal.