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ROME — Diocese of Charlotte seminarians Noah Carter and Paul Buchanan were instituted as acolytes March 4 during Mass at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, where they are pursuing studies.

They joined 53 other seminarians from across the U.S. who are studying at the Pontifical North American College who were instituted to the Ministry of Acolyte, one step on their path towards the priesthood.

Archbishop John C. Nienstedt of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minn., celebrated the Mass and instituted the new acolytes.

After handing to each seminarian the gold paten used in the celebration of the Eucharist, Archbishop Nienstedt said, "Take this vessel of bread for the celebration of the Eucharist. Make your lives worthy of your service at the table of the Lord and of His Church."

In his homily, Archbishop Nienstedt preached to the men about their new responsibility and service in the Church.

These seminarians have now received both the ministry of Lector and Acolyte in anticipation of their diaconal ordinations and, God willing, priestly ordination.

As the rite indicates, an acolyte is charged with assisting at the celebration of the Eucharist, purifying the sacred vessels and, when needed, assisting with the distribution of Holy Communion.

— Pontifical North American College, online at www.pnac.org

For more photos, go to http://www.pnac.org/2012/03/archbishop-nienstedt-installs-acolytes

(Photos courtesy of Brian Buettner, PNAC)