Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • April 26, 2024 17 Bishop Kihneman installs 15 men as Acolytes as part of journey to permanent diaconate Bishop Louis F. Kihneman III installed 15 men as acolytes on April 13 at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral. Pictured, front row, l-r, are Bill Oster (St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, Ocean Springs), Elmer Hernandez (St. Alphonsus Parish, Ocean Springs), Javier Marroquin (Sacred Heart Parish, Hattiesburg), Bishop Kihneman, David Hebert (Most Holy Trinity Parish, Pass Christian), Felix Diaz (St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Hattiesburg) and Charles Walden (St. Clare Parish, Waveland). MiddleRow:EdgarFlores (St.Alphonsus Parish, Ocean Springs), Robert Maynard (Most Holy Trinity Parish, Pass Christian), Eric Denmark (St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Moss Point), Deacon Calvin Authement, Deacon Jesus Arellano, Roy Leonard (Immaculate Conception Parish, Laurel) and James Balentine (Most Holy Trinity Parish, Pass Christian). Back row: Deacon Johnny Williams, Walter Ascencio (St. Alphonsus Parish, Ocean Springs), Paul Necaise (Most Holy Trinity Parish, Pass Christian), Gil Diaz (Sacred Heart Parish, Pascagoula) Mike Martin (Sacred Heart Parish, Pascagoula), Father Bartosz Kunat and Deacon Bill Vrazel. “Acolyte” derives from a Greek term meaning server. A person is installed as an Acolyte to assist the deacon and priest in liturgical celebrations. The chief duties of an acolyte are to light the candles on the altar, carry candles in processions, prepare wine and water for the sacrifice of the Mass and assist deacons and priests at Mass and other public ser- vices. The rite ofAcolyte is the last rite received prior to being ordained a Deacon. Serving as an Acolyte at Mass allows the individual to become familiar with the duties that are performed by a deacon. Photo/Juliana Skelton