Diocese of Raleigh seminarians Mr. Ryan Elder and Mr. Paul N. Cottrill have been instituted in the Ministry of Acolyte, one of the important steps to Priesthood ordination. The Rite of Institution was celebrated Saturday, May 7, 2011, at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, with Most Reverend Timothy C. Senior, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, presiding. Father Ned Shlesinger, Diocesan Vocation Director, concelebrated. Both seminarians have completed Second Year Theology.

An Acolyte is appointed to aid the deacon and to minister to the priest at the altar and as a special minister to give Holy Communion to the faithful at Mass and to the sick. Acolytes may also expose the Eucharist for public adoration in the absence of a priest or deacon. During the institution ceremony, candidates are reminded that they will have a special role in the Church’s ministry, since the summit and source of the Church’s life is the Eucharist, which builds up the Christian community and makes it grow. The candidates are asked to show a sincere love for Christ’s Mystical Body, God’s holy people and especially for the weak and the sick.

Photos courtesy of S. Webb Photography

Seminarian Nick Cottrill

Seminarian Ryan Elder

(left to right):  Mr. Ryan Elder, Newman Catholic Student Center, Chapel Hill; Reverend Shaun L. Mahoney, Rector, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary; Most Reverend Timothy C. Senior, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia; Reverend Ned Schlesinger, Vocations Director, Diocese of Raleigh; Reverend Joseph W. Bongard Vice Rector, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary; Mr. Paul N. Cottrill, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Raleigh.