THE 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 faithful, uncoupling them from the preparation of men for the sacred priesthood. Pope Saint Paul 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 by instituted Lectors and Acolytes.