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.
© Arlington Catholic Herald 2018