Three seminarians instituted as acolytes; one offers reflection on this step toward ordination as a priest

Courtesy photo/Mt. Angel Seminary

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Jaime Zuazo is instituted as acolyte during a March 6 Mass at Mt. Angel Seminary.

MT. BENEDICT, Ore. — Three seminarians for the Diocese of Salt Lake City recently were instituted  as acolytes at Mt. Angel Seminary in Oregon: Jose Luis Gomez, Kenneth Parsad and Jaime Zuazo.

Bishop George Thomas of the Diocese of Las Vegas was the principal celebrant and homilist at the March 6 Mass during which 10 seminarians were instituted as lectors and six were instituted as acolytes.

“Both lector and acolyte are among the public steps seminarians take along the way in their years of theological study in preparation and formation for priestly ordination,” according to an article on the seminary website about the Mass.

Following is a reflection by Jaime Zuazo about this step in his journey toward the priesthood.

“It was a joy to be instituted as an acolyte. Being recommended by my diocese and by the seminary formation team to continue in the process to become a priest means a lot to me. It’s a step forward towards living the vocation that I feel called to. I feel honored to be formally instituted to assist the deacon in the preparation of the altar, to be able to expose the holy sacrament for adoration and assist in giving holy Communion to the faithful community.   

I experienced anxiety, excitement and the support of my diocesan community the day of my acolyte institution. As the deacon of the Mass called out my name and my diocese, I stood up and made myself be present, present to the community gathered at Mount Angel Abbey church and to the community at home that I knew was watching via livestream.  It was gratifying to walk and kneel before Bishop George Leo Thomas to hold the paten and the chalice and respond “amen” to his prayer. I remember that while I was holding the paten and the chalice Bishop George looked deeply into my eyes, and I became more relaxed and was able to enjoy more the liturgical celebration.

I am deeply grateful for all the support that I have received from my family, diocesan friends, classmates, spiritual directors and seminary formation and academic team. Your support and guidance have allowed me to continue my seminary formation journey and to move forward towards becoming a priest. Thank you for believing in me, for teaching me with patience and joy, for being there in good and bad times and supporting me with your prayers.  I look forward to continuing my seminary journey, to continue learning and experiencing God more and more to be able to share the joy that God brings to my heart. Please continue praying for my vocation, for our diocese and for more vocations to the priesthood.”