Two Franciscan Seminarians, Br. Stephen Philip Callon, TOR and Br. Moses Herrmann, TOR were instituted into the Ministry of Acolyte on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at the 10 am Mass at Christ the King Chapel at Franciscan University of Steubenville.
As acolytes, Br. Stephen and Br. Moses can assist priests and deacons with preparing the altar at Mass, incensing, washing of hands, and holding the book. They can also help distribute Holy Communion to the faithful and assist with the purification of the sacred vessels. The Church also authorizes them to bring Holy Communion to the sick and homebound.
Finally, in addition to these functional roles, acolytes are taught to be deeply aware of the great reverence for which we must treat the Eucharistic elements since they are the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ, the source and summit of our faith.
“I hope to grow in being a servant to God and his Church through growing in obedience, ‘open to every good enterprise’ (Titus 3:1). It is a call to be a servant, of which I hope and believe the grace will be present.” – Br. Stephen Philip Callon
Congratulations Br. Stephen Philip and Br. Moses!
