St John Henry Newman, Victoria
Updated: 11DEC2025
Instituted Acolyte
In his 1972 Motu Proprio entitled Ministeria quaedam, Pope Saint Paul VI reformed the so-called “minor orders” in the Church, the steps which would precede ordination to the diaconate and priesthood. In doing so, he recalls that certain ministries were established by the Church for the service of the People of God and as an assistance to offering due worship to Almighty God.
In this reform, the Holy Father restored these ministries to the laity, uncoupling them from the preparation of men for the sacred priesthood. Pope Saint Paul VI suppressed the office of subdeacon and other minor orders, though the ministry and service once reserved to subdeacons continues in the Church and is exercised by readers, cantors, servers, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, and instituted Lectors and Acolytes.
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Saint John Henry's is blessed with four Instituted Acolytes. The Instituted Acolyte may serve as Subdeacon at a Solemn Mass; act as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion; chant the Lessons at a Solemn Sung Mass; act as a Tunicled Crucifer. The Instituted Acolyte may also perform the following in the absence, or at the request of, the Parish Priest: Expose and Repose the Blessed Sacrament for Adoration; lead the Divine Office (Mattins and Evensong); take Holy Communion to the sick.
