Kampala archdiocese commissions 15 acolytes

PIC: The acolytes wave to the congregation after being commissioned.(Credit: Mathias Mazinga)

CHRISTIANITY

KAMPALA - Fifteen Major Seminarians of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Kampala have received the minor ministries of lector and acolyte.

They were commissioned at Rubaga Cathedral by the Metropolitan Vicar General, the Rt Rev Msgr Charles Kasibante.

The new acolytes were elevated upon completion of their philosophical studies at St Mbaaga's Major Seminary Ggaba, Alokulum National Major Seminary and Katigondo National Major Seminary.

Delivering his homily during the function, MsgrKasibante asked the elevated seminarians to be fully committed to the tenets of the faith.

Msgr Kasibante blesses the Seminarians before conferring to them the minor ministry of Lector and Acolyte. (Credit:Mathias Mazinga)

"Contemporary society is laden with many challenges which can easily distract you. You should therefore safeguard yourselves against mischievous people, situations and tendencies, which can cause you to lose your focus.

Fix your eyes to the sacerdotal ministry that you are pursuing. Strive to be holy and pure," said Kasibante.

Kasibante further asked the new acolytes to always remember the value of the ministry they had received, to be able to serve God with total dedication. He also asked them to yearn for the Catholic Sacraments, in particular the Holy Eucharist.

Kasibante also asked parents to always exercise their God-given responsibility of forming the moral consciousness of their children in order to have a sober society with sober people, who will contribute to the development of the Church and the country.

Lector and acolyte is a minor ministry that is conferred to Major Seminarians who are going to do their pastoral work after completing their philosophical studies. Acolytes attend to the service of the holy altar and assist priests and deacons during the celebration of mass.

An acolyte may distribute Holy Communion at the Eucharistic liturgy and to the sick. He may also be entrusted with publicly exposing the Blessed Sacrament for adoration.

He may also take care of instructing other faithful who by appointment assist the priest or deacon by carrying the missal, cross, candles, and similar functions.