Bishop Joseph Galante approved 11 men for Institution to Acolyte at a Eucharistic Liturgy at St. Bridget Church in Glassboro, on Thursday, Nov. 19.
Acolyte is the third and final canonical rite before ordination to the diaconate. The prior rites received by these men were Admission to Candidacy and Institution to Reader.
Traditionally, the ministry of acolyte involves assisting the priest and deacon at the altar. The modern role of the acolyte also includes visits to the sick and others confined to home or residential facilities.
Another function of the acolyte involves educating fellow parishioners in their understanding of the Eucharist and encouraging them to make Eucharistic devotion a regular and frequent part of their lives.
The 11 men are Paul Ralph Bubeck Sr. of Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, Atlantic City; Lawrence Stephen Farmer of Sts. Peter and Paul, Turnersville; Kevin Charles Heil of St. Bridget Parish, Glassboro; Leo Michael Howitz of St. John Parish, Collingswood; Joseph Anthony Kain of Holy Family Parish, Sewell; and Joseph Anthony Murphy of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Ocean City.
Also, Arnaldo Antonio Santos of St. Teresa of Avila Parish, Bridgeton; William Mark Slaven of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Gibbsboro; James Owen Smith of St. Mary Parish, Cherry Hill; Steven Thomas Theis of Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Mullica Hill; Joseph Henry Webb of St. Mary Parish, Rosenhayn.