Anybody attending Mass at St. Mary for the first time would quickly notice that some of the altar servers seem a bit on the older side. Soon enough, they would realize that these are, in fact, grown men performing traditional altar server duties.
Who are they? Officially called Deputed Acolytes, these lay men selflessly dedicate their time to help ensure a reverent and proper flow to the Liturgy.
Deputed vs Instituted Acolytes
According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Deputed Acolytes “serve at the altar and assist the Priest and the Deacon; [they can] carry the cross, the candles, the thurible, the bread, the wine, and the water.” They can even be “deputed to distribute Holy Communion as extraordinary ministers.”
Instituted Acolytes can perform all these roles plus they are able to prepare the altar and sacred vessels.
Bob Cornejo, who is a leading member of the St. Mary Parish Acolytes, explains that the role of Instituted Acolyte is often a specific milestone reserved for a man becoming a deacon. That is why, at St. Mary, all the men currently in the group are instead Deputed Acolytes. “We are essentially altar servers, but with added leadership and coordination responsibilities,” says Cornejo.
These responsibilities include guiding the altar servers and being able and willing to jump in wherever there is a need. For example, if a Lector calls off, an acolyte should be prepared to read. If there is a shortage of Eucharistic Ministers, an acolyte can help bridge the gap.
Models of Reverence
Perhaps the most important role of the St. Mary Acolytes is to demonstrate to the altar servers and parish community how to show proper reverence to the Lord at Mass.
“Through our posture, movements, tone, and interaction with the priest, we aim to reflect the sacredness of the Mass,” explains Cornejo. “In that sense, we try to be models of reverence for the parish community.”
Jim Naumczik, who is one of the seven current acolytes and often carries the Cross at Mass, views this ministry as a new chance to serve God after being unable to pursue his initial desire to become a deacon due to competing responsibilities.
“I got a second opportunity as an acolyte to still serve [the Church],” says Naumczik. “It’s so different participating in the Mass and teaching the altar servers the reverence that the Church deserves…It makes the Mass deeper, the experience deeper.”
This past October, Naumczik even had the privilege of serving as an acolyte on a pilgrimage to Rome with his wife. “I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be actually serving as an acolyte in Rome,” he says.
Becoming a Parish Acolyte
The Acolyte Ministry is open to all men 18 years of age and older. However, the commitment level is high, with acolytes regularly expected to provide coverage for Masses and special events, such as Stations of the Cross and Adoration.
For this reason, recruitment is typically done by invitation, with the current acolytes identifying men who they believe embody the discipline and dedication to serve. Men who are sincerely interested, however, are welcome to discuss the ministry with one of the current acolytes.
Once selected, training is hands-on with the individual initially observing the other acolytes serve before gradually assuming responsibilities for himself.
“This isn’t something we do casually,” explains Cornejo. “The men who serve as acolytes genuinely love the Mass and love serving the parish. For many, it’s a continuation of something they did as young altar servers. It’s a meaningful way to serve God and the parish community, and it’s something we truly want to do.”
Main Image from Left to Right: Peter Bria, John Brett, Bob Meyers, Bob Cornejo, Jim Naumczik, Ted Kopczynski.
(missing): Bob Rafferty
The Mokena Marian 