10 men instituted to the Ministry of Acolyte

Bishop Michael Mulvey instituted 10 men to the Ministry of Acolyte on Saturday, Aug. 8. The institution to the Ministry of Acolyte is the final formal step in the process prior to becoming ordained deacons in the Catholic Church. Their ordination, if they are called to Holy Orders, will take place in November 2016.

“These men and their wives and families have worked and sacrificed for the last four years,” said Deacon Michael Mantz, Director for the Permanent Diaconate. “They are appointed and instituted by the bishop to aid and assist the deacon and priest in the service of the altar.”

The men received as acolytes include, Stephen Mark Christoph, Sacred Heart in Mathis; Narciso “BB” Ortiz, Our Lady of Perpetual Help; Emilio Flores, St. Anthony of Padua in Robstown; Fernando "Freddie" Perez, Ss. Cyril & Methodius; Ronald Janota, Sacred Heart in Rockport; Robert Rosales, Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Portland; Shayne Katzfey, St. George in George West; Hector Salinas, St. Patrick in Corpus Christi; Amando Leal, Corpus Christi Cathedral; and Michael Valenzuela, Our Lady of Guadalupe in Sarita.

The deacon’s ministry is said to be threefold: (1) word, (2) altar and (3) charity. This institution in a formal way helps the candidate­–acolyte–to learn and to practice serving at the altar. The Rite for the Institution of Acolyte points out that “the acolyte should learn all matters concerning public divine worship and strive to grasp their inner spiritual meaning…”

The formation process is basically a five-year process beginning with the inquiry or discernment year. A new inquiry formation class will commence this month, August, with possible admittance to the formation program in August 2016.

Deacon Mantz said he is grateful for his formation team of Deacon Paul Moore and Deacon Al Cicora for helping to develop the curriculum and for giving their time. Deacon Mantz also thanked "all of the pastors” for their support and involvement.

Photos by Ervey Martinez