Congratulations to Christopher Weiland! The Institute for Diaconal Studies (IDS) is pleased to announce that on the 6th of November the Most Reverend Andrew P. Wypych, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago, will preside at the institution into the Ministry of Acolyte and welcome Christopher into this ministry at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, University of Saint Mary of the Lake in Mundelein. He is part of a diaconate formation cohort of 13 candidates who will become instituted Acolytes during this rite. An additional four candidates, previously instituted as acolytes, will also receive a special blessing from the bishop.
IDS would like to invite all parishioners of Our Lady of Perpetual Help to join them in support of Christopher, his wife P.J., and their daughters, along with all of the candidates and their families in celebrating this milestone of formation by attending this special Mass at 1:30pm on Sunday the 6th of November.
As it states in the words of the Rite, instituted acolytes “have a special role in the Church’s ministry.” The Rite notes the following responsibilities:
- Assist priests and deacons in carrying out their ministry at the Eucharist, and other liturgical celebrations;
- As special ministers, they are to distribute Holy Communion to the faithful at the liturgy, and to the sick;
- Because they are specially called to this ministry, they should strive to live more fully by the Lord’s sacrifice and to be molded more perfectly in its likeness;
- They should seek to understand the deep spiritual meaning of what they do so to offer themselves daily to God as spiritual sacrifices acceptable to Him through Jesus Christ.
Regarding the Ministry of Acolyte, Canon Law also notes that instituted acolytes must regularly exercise their ministry from this point forward if they are to be considered for the possibility of Holy Orders. This is a formidable requirement, but it is part of the continuing discernment process as Christopher moves forward on his journey in formation and listens to God’s plan for him in future ministry.
During his formation this year, Christopher continues to follow a multi-dimensional program of study, prayer and preparation for possible Holy Orders. Academic courses include Sacramental Theology, Christology, Soteriology, Homiletics, Spiritual Theology, Presiding at the Rites, and Moral Theology. He will participate in a retreat for the candidates and wives, as well as attending a retreat prior to his institution to the ministry of acolyte. Additionally, elements of his formation include a series of field education and internship experiences, regular spiritual direction, theological reflection sessions, and is present for numerous formation sessions as he continues his four-year preparation as a Candidate toward the Order of Deacon.
Overall, the diaconate is thriving in the Archdiocese of Chicago. There are approximately 500 active deacons, with 65 men currently in the four-year formation program through the Institute for Diaconal Studies.
Please keep Christopher, his wife P.J., their daughters Kirby and Murphy, and all those in formation in your prayers that they might continue to answer God’s call in their lives to serve His Church.
If you are able to join us for this special liturgy at the main chapel in Mundelein, we also invite you to join us at a reception following Mass where everyone will have a chance to gather with the candidates and their families for fellowship to celebrate and share their support.
