Instituted Acolyte

The instituted acolyte is a stable lay minister of the Latin Church, admitted after the qualifications and formation established by the episcopal conference and instituted through a prescribed non-sacramental rite. The ministry is open to suitable women and men. Institution neither ordains the acolyte nor confers the offices or powers of a deacon.^[1]

An instituted acolyte is appointed especially for service of the altar and assistance to the priest and deacon. The ministry should foster reverence for the Eucharist, knowledge of the liturgy, charity toward the people of God, and particular concern for the weak and sick.^[2]

The acolyte may carry the cross, present the book, assist with incense, prepare the altar and sacred vessels in the absence of a deacon, hand the gifts to the priest or deacon, and help purify and arrange the vessels as liturgical law provides. The priest alone recites the Eucharistic Prayer and performs the acts reserved to the celebrant; the acolyte's true office is assistance, not presidency.

By institution the acolyte is an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion and may distribute Communion when the ordinary ministers are absent, impeded, or insufficient under the law. The acolyte may also expose and repose the Blessed Sacrament in the circumstances allowed to an extraordinary minister, but may not give Benediction.

Other lay persons may be temporarily deputed to serve at the altar or, when the Church's need warrants and the law is observed, to distribute Communion. Such deputation does not make them instituted acolytes. Institution is stable and public, while the exercise of any particular function remains subject to liturgical law and legitimate pastoral direction.^[3]