Fr Leonard E Dollentas
A seminarian from St Joseph Seminary- Joseph Ip marked a significant milestone in his journey to the priesthood as he received the ministry of acolyte. The celebration was presided by Bishop Stepehen Lee last Saturday March 7, 2026, during the 7.45 AM mass at the Cathedral. A seminarian for the Catholic diocese of Macau since October 2021. Joseph is almost completing the required studies for the ordained ministry – the years of seminary studies colloquially called “Theology” for the bachelor-level stage. Spiritually, seminarians in this stage seek to configure their hearts to the priestly heart of Jesus Christ in preparation for ordination. Joseph is a trained professional teacher from Hongkong who spent some years teaching in secondary school.
Being installed formally as an acolyte is a notable step in a seminarian’s priestly formation since it signifies his progressive approach to ordained ministry. Before being ordained a deacon – which is necessary prior to priestly ordination – each man must have received and exercised the ministries of lector and acolyte. Joseph had received the ministry of lector last October 8, 2025. While the primary liturgical role of installed acolytes is to serve at the altar during Mass, their responsibilities are more than that of most altar servers we see in our parishes. For example, installed acolytes are permitted to purify sacred vessels after their use to distribute Holy Communion – an action typically reserved for ordained ministers.
A central element of the Rite of Installation of Acolytes was the handing over of a vessel of bread or the ciborium. This gesture and the accompanying words capture the nature and implicit mandate of being an installed acolyte. As Joseph knelt before Bishop Lee, the bishop gave him a vessel with hosts to be consecrated later in the Mass and exhorted him, “Take this vessel with bread for the celebration of the Eucharist. Make your life worthy of your service at the table of the Lord and of his Church.”
The bishop of Macau, Bishop Stephen Lee emphasized the importance of encouraging young men to consider the priesthood, highlighting the support and encouragement from family members, mentors and laity in their discernment process. As the Catholic Diocese of Macau celebrates its 450th anniversary, the bishop takes the opportunity to raise awareness for vocations, particularly those who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood or consecrated life.
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