CHARLOTTE — William Melton Jr., a candidate for the permanent diaconate, was instituted as an acolyte by Bishop Peter Jugis Jan. 20 during a private Mass in the Diocese of Charlotte Pastoral Center’s chapel.
As an acolyte, he is now entrusted with the duties of attending to the altar, assisting the deacon and priest at Mass, and distributing Holy Communion as an extraordinary minister. Now expanded to include the laity as a lay ministry, the role of acolyte used to be a minor order in the Church and it continues to be an important step in preparing for ordination as a priest or deacon.
Melton is among 13 men currently in formation for the permanent diaconate, scheduled for ordination later this year.
— Patricia L. Guilfoyle | Catholic News Herald
