ROME — Seminarian Michael J. Carlson was conferred the ministry of acolyte Feb. 26 during Mass in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at the Pontifical North American College.
Bishop David Kagan of Bismarck, N.D., an alumnus of the Pontifical North American College, celebrated the Mass. During his homily, he reminded Carlson and the 62 other second-year seminarians that their new responsibility of serving at the altar, their second-to-last step before being ordained priests, is one to be shouldered with a spirit of humility.
“Remember that your service is never to be about you ... for the people of God whom you will serve look to you to model fidelity, devotion and humble joy in your service to Almighty God, and what a privilege you have in this vocation,” he said.
As part of the rite, the bishop placed the paten, which contains the hosts for the celebration of Mass, in the hands of each candidate and said, “Take this vessel with bread for the celebration of the Eucharist. Make your life worthy of your service at the table of the Lord and of His Church.”
The seminarians will have two more years of theological studies and spiritual formation before being considered for ordination to the priesthood.
The Pontifical North American College serves as the American seminary in Rome. Founded in 1859 by Blessed Pius IX, the college has formed more than 5,000 priests near the heart of the Church for service in dioceses around the United States, Canada and Australia.
— Pontifical North American College
