LATROBE, PENNSYLVANIA – Eighteen seminarians from eight dioceses and one abbey were installed to the Ministry of Acolyte on November 8. The Most Rev. Joseph V. Adamec, Bishop of Altoona-Johnstown, Pennsylvania, presided over the installation, held at the Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica, Latrobe. The installation was held Monday, November 9.

Installed were Br. Brian D. Boosel, O.S.B., Br. Thomas P. Curry, O.S.B. and Br. Edward Mazich, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey; Michael K. Pecosh and Michael Zimcosky, Diocese of Greensburg; Bryan D. Small, Archdiocese of Atlanta; Michael E. Burchill, Gary W. Krummert, Shawn O. Malarkey and Matthew R. McClain, Diocese of Pittsburgh; Thomas W. Dagle, Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston; David A. Shaffer, Diocese of Erie; Matthew A. J. Reese, Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown; William P. Clark II, Diocese of Charlotte; James A. Caldwell, Jr., Carl A. Kerkemeyer and David Medina, Diocese of Tulsa.

The acolyte is appointed to aid the deacon and to minister to the priest. It is his duty to attend to the service of the altar and to assist the deacon and the priest in liturgical celebrations, especially the Mass. He is also permitted to distribute communion as an extraordinary minister.