By Jamie Castillo
“What for?” This was the question I asked myself after receiving an email from Fr Denis informing me to apply for the Ministry of Acolyte. As someone who always asks “Why?”, I mulled over the reason why I should apply for it. Perhaps, some view being admitted to the Ministry of Acolyte as a step closer to the priesthood or just one of the items that needs to be ticked off as part of the seminary formation process. Knowing myself, I do not just simply pursue a thing unless there is a good and meaningful reason for doing so.
Fast-forward to the morning of 29th of May 2022, I found myself driving to St Patrick’s Cathedral with a lady parishioner from Resurrection Parish Kings Park. I have been at Resurrection Parish for almost half a year for my parish placement, but it feels like I have been there for a long time with the love and support of its parishioners. This lady parishioner, for example, treats me like her son. Like a mum who attended her son’s graduation, she held my vestment like a graduation gown, took photos of me during the Mass, and was so proud as if I was really her own. She is one of the answers to my question, “What for?”
As we processed at the beginning of Mass, I felt so elated to see important people who have been part of my journey as a seminarian. I saw friends from Monash Catholics on Campus, parishioners from Resurrection Parish and my brother seminarians. These are friends who have been there since I arrived in Melbourne in 2015. These are seminarians who journeyed with me at the seminary. These are the parishioners whom I am happily serving at the parish. These people give meaning to my vocation.
Fast-forward to the installation rite, each of us was called by name. I presented myself to the Archbishop by answering, “Present.” Although it was just me standing in front of the Archbishop, deep inside, I knew that I am bringing with me all those people who supported me and those whom I am serving at the parish. I am “present” together with all of them, including those who could not attend because of various reasons including my family in the Philippines.
So, “What for?” In his apostolic letter Ministeria Quadeam, Pope Paul VI describes an acolyte:
“As one set aside in a special way for the service of the altar, the acolyte should learn all matters concerning public divine worship and strive to grasp their inner spiritual meaning: in that way he will be able each day to offer himself entirely to God, be an example to all by his gravity and reverence in church, and have a sincere love for the Mystical Body of Christ, the people of God, especially for the weak and the sick."
Perhaps, his statement resembles why I decided to apply for the Ministry of Acolyte, particularly that last part, “have a sincere love for the Mystical Body of Christ, the people of God, especially for the weak and the sick.” I saw the people I am currently serving at the parish as my reason to apply for the Ministry of Acolyte. I would like to continue serving more closely at the altar during liturgies. I would like to continue my ministry to the sick by bringing communion. I would like to grow deeply in love with the people of God. And that was the main reason why I invited them to attend my installation… because they are the answer to my question: “What for?” It’s FOR THE LOVE OF THEM.
Fourth-year seminarian Jamie Castillo with parishioners from Resurrection Parish, Kings Park.