Fifteen men were instituted as acolytes at The Saint Paul Seminary, with four others installed in their home dioceses, marking a significant milestone on their path to priesthood.
On Monday, Oct. 28, The Saint Paul Seminary celebrated the institution of 15 seminarians as acolytes during a special Mass in St. Mary’s Chapel. Bishop Patrick Neary of St. Cloud presided over the installation, which marks an important step in the seminarians’ journey toward priesthood.
The role of an acolyte allows these men to assist at the altar during Mass and care for the Eucharist, preparing them for deeper service in the Church.
Seminarians from the Diocese of Winona-Rochester and the Diocese of Fargo will be or were installed in their home dioceses: Winona-Rochester seminarians Alex Peters, John Vrchota, Gabriel Rysavy, and Adam Worm were instituted by Bishop Robert Barron on Sept. 20, and Fargo seminarian Paul Zach will be instituted at a later date.
The following men from various dioceses were installed as acolytes Oct. 28:
- Tobias Albert Ellis, Saint Cloud
- Br. Didacus Mark Gottsacker, fbp, Saint Paul and Minneapolis
- Josiah Matthew Hanson, Rapid City
- Matthew Jay Harris, Sioux Falls
- Scott Andrew Kahler, Saint Cloud
- Caleb Todd Kosch, Omaha
- Andrew James Mullaney, Sioux Falls
- Dominic Hiep Nguyễn, Des Moines
- Mark Peter Nosbush, Saint Cloud
- Br. José Ignacio Rodriguez, PES, Pro Ecclesia Sancta
- Blane Austin Schriock, Rapid City
- Br. Evan Steeves, PES, Pro Ecclesia Sancta
- Brent Garret Sundve, New Ulm
- Ian Patrick Willnerd, Boise
- Lawrence Richard Wirries, Crookston
Editor's Note: A version of this story originally ran on The Saint Paul Seminary website, which is located at the University of St. Thomas.
