It was a clear blue sky on Saturday morning on August 17th, 2024, in North Platte. Nine men with their families and friends gathered to celebrate Mass with Bishop Hanefeldt. During the Mass, Bishop Hanefeldt performed the rite of acolyte on this beautiful day. Who are these nine men and why are they now acolytes at their respective parishes?
For the past three years, these nine men have been studying through the Josephinum Diaconate Institute and, periodically, meeting as a cohort. They have been studying Scripture, Christology, homiletics, theology and much more. These future deacons have been in school three quarters each year and have completed nine quarters in total. They are continuing with their academic development and will be taking classes well past their planned ordination. In support of the academics, spiritual development has been a continuous growth journey through the meetings as a cohort, each meeting with their spiritual director and spending more time in prayer. The fourth year has started for this cohort, and with it the rite of acolyte launches them into the final preparation stage before being ordained a deacon.
What is the role of an acolyte within the Catholic Church? The role of acolyte dates back to ancient times, with mentions in documents from the third century. As then and now, acolytes have important liturgical duties, which include the following:
· Lighting altar candles
· Carrying candles during processions
· Assisting with the Mass
· Aiding other clergy members during church services
· Preparing the altar in the absence of a deacon
· Preparing wine and water for the Sacrifice of the Mass
· Purifying the Eucharistic vessels
· Elevating the Roman Missal for the priest
· Instructing altar servers on their placement and responsibilities on the altar
· Distributing Holy Communion to the sick.
These duties complement other works of service that are part of fulfilling a role as a deacon. Within this group of men, there are those who go out to whomever cannot come to Mass and take Holy Communion to them, take Jesus to those in prison through a jail ministry, serve as an educator through RCIA or children’s religious education or just perform acts of services according to the needs of the parish.
The nine men who are in diaconate formation are: Fernando Zubiria and Miguel Maciel from St. Ann’s in Lexington; Kent Winder from St. Patrick’s in North Platte; Phil Lukasiewicz from St. Paul’s in St. Paul; Ron Golka from St. Leo’s in Grand Island; and Tarcisio Costilla, Carlos Molina, James Holys and Robert Mallett from St. Mary’s in Grand Island. These men are continuing their studies at the Josephinum. Ordination into the permanent diaconate is scheduled for May 30, 2025. Please pray for them and their future ministry.