Embracing a new role in the Church

(L-R) Angela Smith and Christine Patron of Mary Help of Christians

In a historic shift, Pope Francis’s 2021 apostolic letter, Spiritus Domini, opened the door for women to serve officially as acolytes during the Catholic Mass. 

This change has inspired women throughout our Archdiocese to answer the call, and the Catholic Voice spoke with Angela Smith and Christiane Patron of Mary Help of Christians Parish in South Woden to ask them about their experience as acolytes.

In both cases, it was the seeds planted by the then parish priest, Fr Richard Thompson, after the Pope’s letter that led them down the path to becoming acolytes.

“I never thought I would be allowed to be on the altar,” said Christiane. “So, when Fr Richard asked – Yes!” was her reaction.

Angela’s story was similar: ” Oh yes, I can do that. I’m quite comfortable with it.”

Still, after her initial reaction, Christiane had a moment to pause. She wasn’t sure she wanted to do it but thought there was a real need for acolytes in the parish. 

“Women sometimes say they are excluded, but often they don’t put themselves forward to do things,” she said. “So if one comes, maybe another one will come too.” 

In the church’s language, when the faithful come to Mass, they have a right and an obligation to be “active participants” in the celebration (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1141), and this was an important point for Christiane and Angela. 

Being acolytes allowed them to become even more active as “participants,” they said.

The acolytes’s functions include preparing the altar and sacred vessels, carrying the cross in the entrance procession, presenting and holding the missal for the priest, and placing the corporal, purificator, chalice, pall and missal on the altar for the presentation of the gifts. 

“It gives you a different perspective on the Mass,” said Christiane.

“I feel I am participating better, and it makes me more prayerful,” said Angela. “And the words of the Mass are so beautiful.”

“Does it strengthen your faith?” they were asked.

“Yes,” they both underlined.