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Episcopal Church of the Epiphany Manual

WELCOME

The ministry of Acolyte is a serving ministry of the Church that comes from ancient times. From those days until now have been faithful and conscientious men, women, boys and girls, who love the Lord Christ and love serving Him at his sacred . It is an honor to be selected as one who serves, and, truly a ministry to God and God’s people.

As Senior Acolyte Warden of Epiphany, it is my pleasure and privilege to welcome each of you to this sacred duty. You are joining a dedicated team of adults and young persons who take seriously their service to God and the Church. With God’s help, and with the help of your teachers and sponsors, the Acolytes at Epiphany will continue to be among the finest in the Church, setting an example for all to follow.

May God Bless you in your ministry of liturgical leadership, and may you be filled with the peace of God, the love of Jesus Christ and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

Faithfully,

Will Symonds, Senior Acolyte Warden Episcopal Church of the Epiphany September 5, 2008

MEMBERSHIP

In order to be an acolyte you :

Be baptized Be in second grade through High School Be willing to attend three practices: one at the beginning of the school year, one more in the Fall and one in the Spring; Follow the instructions of your Acolyte Wardens and serve when scheduled (or find a suitable replacement when you cannot);

ACOLYTE PRAYER

Almighty God, who has called us your servants to the sacred office of Acolyte in your church, that clothed in white we may minister before you, we pray your great mercy to guide, strengthen, and sanctify us by your Holy Spirit, that, always doing your will, we may both by our service in your house and by our daily life, please you and glorify your Name, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY ACOLYTE MANUAL PAGE 1 OF 28 HISTORY of the office of ACOLYTE

The Church ordains three major orders today – , , and . In the early Church, four were also ordained – Acolytes, , , and Ostiarii, known today as Vergers.

The word Acolyte comes from the Greek word “akolouthos”, meaning a servant or attendant who waits continually upon another: a follower.

The Council of Carthage of 398 which deals with the ordination of acolytes.... “when an acolyte is ordained, let him be taught by a how he ought to act in the performance of his duty. But let him receive from the archdeacon a candlestick with a that he may know that it is his duty to light the lamps of the church”. From The Use of Lights in Christian by D.R. Dendy, page 80 (1959, Alcuin Club Collection)

The office at that time consisted chiefly of lighting in the church, and assisting at the preparation of the wine for .

As an acolyte, you are involved in a vital ministry. Thank you for accepting this important responsibility, and serving with dignity in each assignment. Remember, not all duties are the same, but all are important!

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY ACOLYTE MANUAL PAGE 2 OF 28 ACOLYTES at Epiphany

The Epiphany Acolytes are made up of members of the parish who volunteer their time and talent to serve during the by carrying the processional crosses, torches, banners and flags, distributing the offering plates, and taking part in the Procession. The First Servers are trained to serve the (celebrant) at the altar, assisting with the elements, and with the smooth procession of people to communion.

Acolytes serve at the principal Sunday liturgy at 9:00 and 11:00 and at festival services. Some assist at special events, such as weddings, funerals, etc.

Unless acolytes are holding or carrying something, the position for hands is folded together at the waist. When turning a corner, use an “eased military” turn. This is not quite as severe as a hard, square military corner. It is more deliberate and dignified than a casual walk.

Whether seated, standing, or kneeling, acolytes do not slouch. Feet are kept together, and legs are not crossed. Acolytes should never appear to hurry. They do not stare at members of the congregation, but may look about when performing a task for which that is necessary.

Actions by two or more acolytes should be performed with the highest degree of uniformity whenever possible. Standing and sitting at the same time as other acolytes and the is a basic.

All acolytes wear a white , a cross with cord specifying years of service. First Servers wear a white cincture around their waist tied with the ends looping back on either side (see diagram in vesting room), while all other Acolytes wear a standard cincture that is colored according to the Church season. Consult the schedule for the cincture color to wear.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY ACOLYTE MANUAL PAGE 3 OF 28 OUR PURPOSE

Because of the high privilege of serving in God’s House, and at His Altar, being an Acolyte is appropriately reserved for those who show a deep love for our Lord, His Church, and Altar. Although no one is worthy in a sense of being holy enough to work at God’s Altar, by custom, this privilege is shared among those of devotion and prayer. The attitude an Acolyte brings to these duties is all-important. With sincere devotion of mind and body, the Acolyte strives to make their service an acceptable offering to our Lord. They will not need praise for their work or be depressed by correction and guidance, but will make a Christian witness with quiet rejoicing.

A good Acolyte accepts the work as a sacred duty, and participation reflects a willingness to work under direction. An Acolyte is a person under the obedience and guidance of the clergy, therefore all suggestions are properly directed through the Acolyte Warden, to them for consideration and acceptance, or rejection. It is, therefore, the clergy’s responsibility to make the final decisions, and the success or failure is theirs. Relationships with fellow Acolytes are to be Christian; using tact, composure and tolerance while exercising this ministry, personal feelings are left outside the Church.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY ACOLYTE MANUAL PAGE 4 OF 28 EPIPHANY ACOLYTE RULES

1) Be vested and check in with the Acolyte Warden on duty 15 minutes before the service time. If you’re late you might not receive an assignment. If you are serving at the 11:00 service and you are attending Sunday School, vest BEFORE you go to Sunday School, so you don’t have to leave Sunday School early. Also, check in or leave word in the Vesting Room that you are there so the Acolyte Warden on duty doesn’t have to come looking for you.

2) Check for any new materials, either posted or to be passed out.

3) Please, no patterned clothes that will show through your alb. Tennis Shoes are preferred, but shoes must have non-skid soles in all cases, and they need to be clean. Hands and fingernails should be clean, and hair properly combed.

4) Drinks should be left outside.

5) Follow the service in the Prayer Book, and bulletin, and make all responses in a clear and audible voice. Be prepared to stay for 5 to 10 minutes after a service for comments and announcements.

6) Inappropriate language will not be tolerated. Please refrain from comments and actions that will detract from focusing on our preparation and service to the Glory of God.

7) Acolyte service is year round. We do not have a summer break like the .

8) There are periodic meetings to attend. There is a “back to school” practice in the fall, and you are required to attend one practice in the Fall and one in the Spring. Others may be called, and they will be scheduled to allow the best attendance. These will deal with training, rehearsing and instruction.

9) You are responsible for the contents of each Epiphany Acolyte Newsletter. They will contain the schedule for the coming month. If you discover a conflict, communicate that fact to Acolyte Wardens as soon as possible. Do not wait until the Sunday you are scheduled if you know beforehand.

By being a member of the Epiphany Acolytes, you are carrying on a tradition. Since this parish first held services in this building and even before that, many fine Acolytes have served. It is up to us daily to continue with this same reverence and attention. Even though it may be difficult to see, your attitude and actions now are being made a part of history in this Church. This we do, that in all things, God may be glorified!

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY ACOLYTE MANUAL PAGE 5 OF 28

Clergy, acolytes, choir members, and others wear vestments in obedience to Church customs. They symbolize the sacred nature and function of the office rather than the importance of the person. They are worn for the sake of dignity, beauty and uniformity.

Academic hood: Colored sack-like garment worn on the back denoting the degree held by the wearer. Used primarily at sung offices. When worn with a tippet, the hood is underneath.

Alb: The long white rove worn by a priest under Eucharistic vestments. Acolytes also wear this in most places. A hooded alb, or cassock-alb, is worn without an or cassock.

Amice: The white collar worn under an alb. It may have a colored cloth section added to it known as an apparel. The uses one of these when wearing the for festival services.

Biretta: A small, square, black hat worn by the clergy (usually outdoors).

Cassock: The long black robe used as a basic by the clergy, choir and vergers. Cassocks may be other colors such as red, blue, or purple. Purple may only be used in a cathedral.

Chasuble: The cape-like garment with an opening in the center to be placed over the head, worn by the celebrant over other vestments.

Cincture: The band of cloth worn at the waist of the cassock. A rope may also serve this purpose.

Cloak: Worn by a verger over the cassock, may be trimmed with velvet. Sometimes called a gown. Also, heavy black “cape” worn as an outdoor garment by clergy for inclement weather.

Cope: A large, hooded, ornamented cape worn over the alb by a priest or bishop. It may be removed by the preacher for the , and for administering communion. It is not normally worn over a .

Cotta: A shorter and simpler form of a ; white, and worn over the cassock by the choir.

Crozier or Crook: The pastoral staff, curled at the top, used by a bishop. Normally the Diocesan carries it, but at times a chaplain may do so.

Dalmatic: (strictly) Eucharistic vestment worn over the cassock by a . Orphreys, ornamental colored bands, run front to back over the shoulders.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY ACOLYTE MANUAL PAGE 6 OF 28 Girdle: A heavy cord tied about the waist of an alb.

Mitre (or Miter): Liturgical hat for a bishop. The pointed headdress has “tails” in the back known as lappets.

Stole: The long band of fabric worn by a priest around the neck and over both shoulders. It is worn over the left shoulder and crossed on the right side for a deacon. A baptismal is white on one side and purple on the other side.

Surplice: The white garment with wide sleeves worn over a cassock.

Tippet: The black scarf used instead of a stole at an office, when no sacrament is administered. When worn with an academic hood, the tippet is on top of the hood.

Tunicle: (strictly) Eucharistic vestment worn over the cassock by a sub-deacon (Roman). This is usually shorter and less elaborately decorated than a . We have a “crucifer tunicle” worn by an acolyte, which is more decorated than by definition.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY ACOLYTE MANUAL PAGE 7 OF 28 ALTAR, BAPTISTRY and PROCESSION APPOINTMENTS

Advent Candles: Four candles burned during . One candle is lighted for each Sunday of Advent. If a Rose-colored candle is used, it is lighted on the 3rd Sunday. The larger white candle in the center, the Christ Candle, is lighted first on Christmas Eve. The wreath may be used through The Epiphany.

Asperges: Sprinkling of altar, ministers and people with . The vessel is called the aspergillium.

Aumbry: The locked box in the wall behind the Altar in the Sanctuary. It holds the consecrated hosts kept as Reserve Sacrament.

Banner: Representation of a saint, Christian symbol or other appropriate article, which may be carried in procession by an acolyte. We have numerous banners that are used throughout the Seasons. We also have an Epiphany banner for the Church, which is always the second banner carried in when there are two.

Beadle (pole): The long staff carried by a verger leading a formal procession.

Boat: The small container with a spoon, carried by the Thurifer (or boat boy), which holds the to be burned.

Branch Candles: The two large candelabra on the pavement in the sanctuary. Sometimes called pavement lights. When in place, these candles are lighted after those on the altar.

Bread Box: A round, covered box containing wafers. It is shorter than a .

Burse: The cloth covered “purse” placed on top of the containing purificators and a . Here used only in chapel services.

Cerecloth: The basic cloth that covers an altar and lies beneath the fair linen, protecting it from moisture that condenses on stone surfaces. It is removed when the Lenten Array frontal is used.

Chalice: The cup, with a stem and base, used for wine.

Chrysom: A simple embroidered white gown for infants to be put on at baptism.

Ciborium: The covered breadbox on a stem. A shorter ciborium containing Reserve Sacrament is kept in the aumbry in S. Mary’s Chapel.

Communion Pall: The cloth covered board placed on top of a .

Corporal: The white cloth placed on top of the fair linen, under the communion vessels.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY ACOLYTE MANUAL PAGE 8 OF 28 Credence: The table used for communion vessels and elements. The Alms basin is placed here and wooden offering plates are kept underneath.

Credence cover: The white cloth covering the credence during the liturgy.

Cruets: The crystal or glass vessels that hold water and wine.

Dust Cover: The cloth used to cover the fair linen between Eucharists. Sometimes called a protector. It is not removed for offices.

Eucharistic or Altar Candles: The two candles on an altar or the retable.

(Baptismal) Ewer: The open-top pitcher used for water to be poured into the font at a baptism.

Fair Linen: The white cloth covering an altar. Also called the . The cerecloth lies beneath the fair linen:

Flag: United States, Episcopal Church, or flags displayed in the chancel. On occasion, acolytes may carry them in procession.

Flagon: The silver pitcher that holds wine.

Lavabo: The bowl used for ceremonial washing of the celebrant’s fingers at the . A towel is used to dry the fingers.

Lectern: Holds the Bible from which the lessons are read.

LEM kit: Box carried by Lay Eucharistic Ministers taking communion to the sick or shut- ins.

Missal: The prayer book used at the altar.

Missal stand: The book stand which sits on the altar holding the missal.

(Funeral) Pall: The large white cloth placed over a casket. A smaller version of the pall is used to veil an urn holding the cremains.

Paschal Candle: The large decorated candle first lighted at the , burned between Easter and Pentecost. It is kept in the stand at the baptistry and lighted for Holy Baptism. Also, it is lighted at all Burial services, and may replace the cross in procession.

Paten: The plate used for wafers. Rarely, it may be footed.

People’s Host: The communion wafer of unleavened bread given to communicants.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY ACOLYTE MANUAL PAGE 9 OF 28 Veil: The large cloth for covering consecrated elements on the credence when communion is finished.

Priest’s Host: The large communion wafer used by the celebrant and all ordained ministers present at a Eucharist.

Pulpit: The place from which the sermon is preached.

Purificator: The linen used for cleaning the lip of the chalice during communion.

Sanctuary Lamp: The special candle that is kept burning when the is reserved in the sanctuary. S. Mary’s Chapel has a signifying the presence of Reserve Sacrament in the aumbry. If the Blessed Sacrament is present in the Cathedral sanctuary between services, the Altar candle on the “Gospel side” (east) is kept burning.

(Oil) Stock: A small container attached to a ring used for Holy Oil for the sick at Holy Unction. Another container, which holds Chrism, is used at Holy Baptism.

Thurible: The pot on a chain carried by the Thurifer, used to hold charcoal and burning incense. Sometimes called a .

Torches: The candles that acolytes carry in procession.

Urn Veil: Smaller version of the pall, which is used to cover the cremains during the burial service. May also be called an “ash veil”. Both the pall and urn veil are white at the Cathedral.

(Chalice) Veil: The cloth used to cover the stack – a chalice, and together. With the burse, pall, paten and purificator, this completes the “vested chalice”. Here used only in chapel services.

Verge: The wand-like mace carried by a verger in procession.

NOTES

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY ACOLYTE MANUAL PAGE 10 OF 28 CHRISTIAN SYMBOLISM in ARCHITECTURE and APPOINTMENTS

Acolyte : Where the acolytes prepare for services.

Altar Rail: The rail dividing the choir from the sanctuary, at which people kneel for communion. Also called the communion rail.

Agnus Dei: The . It signifies the Lord in His sacrificial character.

Bishop’s Sacristy: Room adjoining the Clergy Sacristy where appointments, vestments, vessels, and books are kept.

Candles: Signify that Christ is the light of the world. The two Eucharistic candles denote the divine and human nature of Christ. The seven candles in each of the candelabra signify the presence of God.

Cathedra: The official seat of the Bishop in a cathedral.

Chancel: That part of the Church beyond the chancel rail, including the choir and sanctuary.

Chapel: Smaller worship spaces in a church or cathedral. Our Chapel is in the Administration Building on the bottom floor.

Clergy Sacristy: Where the clergy prepare for services.

Cruciform Churches: Buildings in the shape of a Cross.

Flowers: Signify that Christ is the life of the World.

Font: The large bowl atop a pedestal used for water at Holy Baptism.

IHS: The first three letters of Jesus in Greek.

INRI: The inscription on the Cross at Calvary - “Jesus Christ King of the Jews”

Litany Desk: The prayer desk used by the priest in saying the Litany. When found in a church, it is located in the Crossing.

Narthex: The main, front, entry of a church.

Nave: The part of the church where the congregation sits.

Rood Screen: The elaborate railing dividing the chancel from the nave found in some churches. is another word for cross. A horizontal bar alone (with a cross) would be a rood beam.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY ACOLYTE MANUAL PAGE 11 OF 28

Sanctuary: The place where the Altar is located, and where our clergy sit.

Transept: The arms of the cross in cruciform churches.

Working Sacristy: Where the communion vessels and elements are prepared for the Altar. The room where the Altar Guild prepares the items necessary for worship.

XP: “Chi Rho” the first two Greek letters in Christ’s name. They are generally seen with one superimposed on the other such as on the aumbry.

NOTES

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY ACOLYTE MANUAL PAGE 12 OF 28 SYBOLISM of LITURGICAL COLORS

White (or Gold): signifies victory, purity, perfection, joy and the bright light of truth. Used for Christmas, Easter, Ascension, All Saints’ Day, The Transfiguration, Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals, and Saints’ Days that are festivals.

Violet: signifies penitence, expectation, and seasons of preparation. May be used for in conjunction with a Lenten Array. Used for Advent in places where Blue is not.

Rose / Pink: may be used on 4 Lent (Mothering Sunday, Mid-Lent, Laetare or Rejoice Sunday) in place of Violet or the Lenten Array, when a less penitential tone is set. May also be used on 3 Advent.

Red: color of the Holy Spirit; symbol of fire and blood; signifies martyrdom and love for God. Used for the Palm Sunday, the Day of Pentecost, Ordinations and Saints’ Days commemorating martyrs.

Green: signifies hope, regeneration, immortality, life and nature, peace, universality. Used for the season of Epiphany and the season of Pentecost.

Blue: signifies truth, eternity. Used for Advent.

Black: signifies mourning. Used on .

NOTES

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY ACOLYTE MANUAL PAGE 13 OF 28 CUSTOMS and PROCEDURES

Acolytes must be baptized. If they have not been confirmed, they should plan to participate in a confirmation class as soon as it is possible and convenient.

Arrival: Acolytes serving at the 9:00 and 11:00 services, and other major services, should be vested and check in with the Acolyte Warden on duty 15 minutes before the service begins.

Dress: Clean tennis shoes, or any non-skid sole shoes, are appropriate to wear when serving as an acolyte. Brightly striped shirts, or those with a bold pattern, and t-shirts with words or designs will be visible through the alb, and should not be worn. Blue jeans may be worn, but the cuffs should be clean and not torn or frayed; Otherwise they may require rolling up so they are not visible below the alb hem. If dress shoes are a problem, please see the Acolyte Warden.

Manners: Before all services, should line up and be as quiet as possible. Acolytes are part of the service at all times when vested and should act appropriately.

Turning: The direction an acolyte turns to move in the opposite direction depends on whether they are alone, with a partner, or in a group of three acolytes. When alone or in the center of three, always turn to the right. When a pair of acolytes is turning around, they both turn toward the middle. This applies also when they have another acolyte between them, as when guarding the Crucifer.

Do not tilt, lean, or dip a cross, torch, banner or flag. Keep the item being carried in procession in the raised position until you reach the stand. Then lower it, and place in the stand. Make sure banners are straight in the stand before walking away.

Do not touch brass with your bare hands. It is hard to polish away fingerprints that appear shortly after items are handled.

NOTES

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY ACOLYTE MANUAL PAGE 14 OF 28 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

PROCESSIONAL

Acolytes will line up in the Narthex in the following order:

First Server (Crucifer)

Banner #1 – Seasonal Banner

Banner #2 – Epiphany Banner (always the second banner – when there is one banner use the Seasonal Banner)

[Choir]

Gospel Cross Torch – Gospel – Torch (walking abreast)

[Lay Readers]

[Clergy]

During the Processional Acolytes will walk slowly – our center aisle is not long, so there is no rush. Follow the pace of the Acolyte in front of you. Follow their pace so you don’t run into the back of them.

When you reach the altar, stop-pause-turn. You do not bow your head if you are carrying a cross, torch, banner or the Gospel. Simply stop at the first step, pause one count and then turn and move on.

All Acolytes will stop at the first step of the , before turning and moving to put their element in its assigned location. The only exception to this is the Gospel Acolyte, who will step forward to the Altar, while they will place the Gospel on the right-front side of the Altar.

RECESSIONAL

Acolytes will line up with the First Server at the center of the Communion Rail with the remaining Acolytes lined up along the left side of the Rail (as you face the Altar) in the following Order:

First Server (Crucifer) Banner #1 – Seasonal Banner Banner #2 – Epiphany Banner Gospel Cross

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY ACOLYTE MANUAL PAGE 15 OF 28 Torch Gospel Torch

[Note for Gospel Acolyte – the Gospel will be located at the Ambo and not on the Altar where you left it at the Processional.]

On Recessional, each Acolyte will come to the Center before beginning to Recess. Do not “cut the corner” but come all the way to the middle and wait a moment for the Acolyte in front of you to move so there is a space between. Again, pace yourself so you don’t walk into the Acolyte(s) in front of you.

Upon reaching the Narthex door, the First Server will turn around and stand in the middle of the Doorway. The banners will move to either side of the Doorway. The Gospel Cross will turn and stand directly in front of the First Server, and the Torches and Gospel will turn and face the Altar directly in front of the Gospel Cross. Maintain your station until you hear the procession speak the words “Thanks Be To God” after which you may break.

GOSPEL PROCESSION

During the 11:00 service we will have a Gospel Procession. After the second lesson, the congregation will sing a Hymn. When the music starts, the Gospel Cross and Torches and Gospel Acolyte will retrieve their elements and unite at the steps to the Altar. The Gospel Cross will stand in front of the first step, while the Gospel Acolyte will stand immediately behind the Gospel Cross on the first step. The Torches will come from either side of the Altar Wall and unite with the Gospel Acolyte on the first step. When all of the Acolytes have come to the front, the Gospel Cross will process down the aisle and stop just before the start of the balcony, turn and face the altar. The Torches and Gospel Acolyte will follow until they reach the Gospel Cross. At that point, the Torches will turn and face each other (toward the middle of the Aisle, while the Gospel Acolyte will stand to one side and wait for the Priest. The priest will follow behind and take the Gospel from the Gospel Acolyte. The Gospel Acolyte should be prepared to take the Priest’s prayer book if it is offered and hold it for the Priest during the reading of the Gospel.

After the conclusion of the Gospel Reading, the Priest will hand the Gospel back to the Gospel Acolyte and step to one side. At this point the Gospel Cross will start back toward the Altar. When the Gospel Cross has passed the Torches, they will turn towards the Altar and the Gospel Acolyte will step into the middle between the Torches and they will walk behind the Gospel Cross towards the Altar. At the Altar, in front of the first step, the Gospel Cross will stop-pause-turn and move to the side to put up the Gospel Cross. The Torches and the Gospel Acolyte, will then come to the Altar, will perform the same stop- pause-turn maneuver, but while the Torches will turn and go to either side and put their Torches in the back and sit down, the Gospel Acolyte will move forward into the Altar area and hand the Gospel to the other Priest who is standing in the Ambo (). The Gospel Acolyte will then go and sit down.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY ACOLYTE MANUAL PAGE 16 OF 28

OTHER PROCESSION and SERVICE DUTIES

US Flag etiquette requires it be carried on the right when carried beside another flag. This means the US Flag must pass in front of the other to arrive on the side where its stand is located.

Communion Ushers will be the First Server and the Gospel Cross. They will be stationed at either end of the communion rail (First Server will be on the side closest to the ).

Candle lighting should begin with the candles on the Altar, Always extinguish candles by reversing the order in which they were lighted. During Advent the candles on the wreath are lighted before all other candles. When a baptism is scheduled, the first candle to be lighted is always the .

Offertory: After the announcements and when the Priest says the Offertory Sentence, the Gospel Cross will pull the Offertory Plates and Come to the middle to pass out the plates to the Ushers. The First Server will also come to the middle to receive the Communion elements and get the Count from the Ushers. The Gospel Cross will then sit down, while the First Server takes the Communion elements to the Priest and gives the Priest the count, and proceeds with the remaining First Server duties.

FIRST SERVER

First Servers, in addition to their duties as Crucifer, assist the Priest in the administration of Communion. As noted above, this job starts at the Offertory. After they have received the Communion elements from the Ushers and given the elements and the count to the priest, they return to their station at the Credence Table, where they retrieve the Ciborium (bread box) and the Flagon (vessel for the wine). These elements are taken to the Altar where they are placed on the side of the Altar closest to the Credence table. The First Server may take these elements up to the Altar together, or they may take them up in one after another. In the case where there is more than one Flagon, take the Ciborium up separately and then take up the Flagons.

After the bread and the wine are taken to the Altar, return to the Credence table. Take the stopper out of the Crystal pitcher holding water and put it to one side. Place the towel over your left wrist and hold the lavabo bowl with your left hand. Pick up the crystal pitcher with the handle facing out (do not hold by the handle) and take everything up to the altar.

When you reach the altar, hand the pitcher to the Priest, who will bless it and add water to the Flagons. He will then hand the pitcher back. Hold the pitcher by the handle. Extend your left hand with the lavabo hand to the priest who will hold their hands over the bowl. Pour water from the pitcher over the Priest’s hands (not too much) and then let them take the towel draped over your left wrist. Repeat this process with the other priest, who will

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY ACOLYTE MANUAL PAGE 17 OF 28 take the towel form the first priest and then replace the towel over your left wrist. Bow to both priests and return and replace the pitcher, lavabo bowl and towel on the Credence table. Replace the stopper on the pitcher as well.

If there are any elements that have been returned to the corner of the Altar closest to the Credence table, retrieve and deposit them on the credence table.

NOTE: The crystal jar that holds wafers is “” and should never leave the altar.

During Communion, after the Lord’s Prayer, retrieve one chalice and two patents and take them to the side of the Altar closest to the Credence table.

When Communion is almost finished, take the stopper out of the crystal pitcher and take the pitcher to the Altar. The priest will use the water to wash out the celebratory chalice. While the priest is doing this, help by taking the other chalice and any other elements that are no longer needed to the Sacristy. If no help is needed, stand to the side and wait for the Priest to finish with the crystal pitcher. When the Priest hands back the pitcher, replace it on the Credence table and replace the stopper. Return to the communion rail for the post-communion prayer.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY ACOLYTE MANUAL PAGE 18 OF 28 CHURCH HISTORY

Our Church was founded by Christ Himself – not King Henry VIII. The Episcopal Church in the United States of America is a part of the Anglican Communion. The roots of our Church stretch back to England. The English Church is very ancient. There is some evidence that St. Joseph of Arimathea came to England after Christ’s Crucifixion and brought the Holy Grail, the Silver Chalice from the with him. If this is true, then Christianity spread to England before it arrived in Rome. However it may be, there were British Bishops present at the Council of Aries in 314 A.D.

In 1534, the English Church separated from Rome and the Pope. A new Church was NOT formed at this time. The English Church still used the same ancient ceremonies and the same priests performed those ceremonies. The only real change was that the Pope no longer had any authority over the English Church. Finally in 1549, the first English Prayer Book was issued which is the basis for the Prayer Book we use today.

The Anglican Church came to America with the English Colonists, but after the American Revolution, the American branch of the Anglican Church became the Episcopal Church in the United States of America (1789).

The Diocese of Texas was the first mission field of the Episcopal Church in the United States. From 1838 to 1845 the Episcopal Church existed here as a foreign missionary district and included the entire Republic of Texas. Christ Church, Matagorda was the first Episcopal church in the Republic and was founded in 1839. Christ Church, Houston, later the cathedral, was the second Episcopal church, founded in 1839.

The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany was started in 1957. The original Church was located near Fondren and Beechnut but was relocated to the present location in 1973. Our present Sanctuary was completed in 1974 with a renovation completed in the Fall of 2008. The Parish Hall was completed in 2001.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY ACOLYTE MANUAL PAGE 19 OF 28 ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION

• The ordained ministers of the Episcopal Church are Bishops, Priests, and Deacons.

• The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the United States is The Most Reverend Katherine Jefforts-Shori.

• The Bishop of the Diocese of Texas is The Right Reverend Donald Wimberly.

• The Canon to the (assistant to the Bishop) is The Reverend C. Andrew Doyle. He has recently been elected Bishop Coajutor, and will succeed Bishop Wimberly when he retires in 2009. The Reverend Ann Normand has been appointed Canon to the Ordinary to succeed Reverend Doyle.

• The Rector of the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany is The Reverend James T. Tucker.

• The Assistant Rector of the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany is The Reverend James M. L. Grace.

• The Verger of the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany is Kathy Mathison.

• The Acolyte Wardens for the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany are: Will Symonds, JoAnn Thompson, Jeaneth Reid, Julie and Michael Roell, Susan Sides, Ben Okigbo, Kathy Mathison and Bear Dalton.

• The Director of Music of the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany is Bob Brewer.

• The governing body of the Episcopal Church in the U.S. is the General Convention that is made up of the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies.

• The Episcopal Church in the U.S. is divided geographically into dioceses.

• The spiritual and administrative head of a diocese is the bishop.

• Other titles held by the Bishop are the Diocesan and the Ordinary.

• The written title of a Bishop is: The Right Reverend ______

• The priest who administers a Cathedral is the Dean.

• The written title of a Dean is: The Very Reverend ______

• The written title of a priest, who is not a Dean, is: The Reverend ______

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY ACOLYTE MANUAL PAGE 20 OF 28 • The priest who administers a parish is called the Rector.

• A priest who is not a Dean may be addressed in any of the following ways: Father, Mister, Reverend Sir, or Doctor (if he holds that degree).

• An assistant priest in a parish or Cathedral is called a Curate.

• An assistant in a Cathedral may be appointed a Canon.

• The written title of a Canon is: The Reverend Canon ______

• A priest in charge of a mission is called a Vicar.

• In some churches, a layperson called the Verger, is in charge of the Acolytes, Altar Guild, Ushers, and Facilities.

• The group of people who are in charge of a church’s finances is called the Vestry.

• The two elected leaders of the Vestry are the Senior and Junior Wardens.

• The person in charge of maintaining a church is called the Sexton. An assistant is called a Porter.

NOTES

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY ACOLYTE MANUAL PAGE 21 OF 28 THE PRAYER BOOK

• Rubrics are the rules governing the use of the Prayer Book.

• A Sacrament is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace. There are seven sacraments.

• The two sacraments ordained by Christ Himself as necessary for salvation are Holy Baptism and Holy Communion.

• The five other sacraments are: Holy Confirmation, Holy Matrimony, Holy Orders, Penance and Holy Unction.

• A person becomes a member of the Church in the sacrament of Holy Baptism.

• Children assume their own religious responsibilities in the rite of Holy Confirmation.

• The great sacrament of the Church is Holy Communion, the second half of the Holy Eucharist; the first half of the Holy Eucharist is the Word of God.

• Some other names for Holy Communion are Eucharist, , the Lord’s Supper, and the Divine Liturgy.

• The only person who can Confirm and Ordain is the Bishop. These are Episcopal rites, or services.

• In an emergency, any Baptized person may Baptize another.

NOTES

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY ACOLYTE MANUAL PAGE 22 OF 28 THE CHURCH YEAR

• Advent: The four weeks before Christmas observing preparations for the coming of Christ.

• Christmas: The birth of Christ.

• Epiphany: The manifestation of Christ to the Wise Men.

• : First day of Lent. Forty Days before Easter.

• Lent: The forty days Christ spent in the wilderness.

• : The final week of Lent. The week before Easter.

• Palm Sunday: The Sunday before Easter. It recalls Christs’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

• : Thursday of Holy Week. It commemorates the institution of the Lord’s Supper. It is the day on which we wash others hands and feet as a sign of Christs’ love and servant hood.

• Good Friday: Friday of Holy Week. The day of the Crucifixion.

• Holy Saturday: The day and evening before Easter. Easter Eve.

• Easter: The day of Resurrection!

• Ascension: Forty days after Easter. The Ascension of Christ into Heaven.

• Day of Pentecost: Fifty days after Easter. The coming of the Holy Spirit. The birthday of the Christian Church.

• : The Sunday after Pentecost. Represents the three aspects of God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

• Transfiguration: Commemorates our Lord’s Transfiguration on the Mount when there came out of the cloud a voice saying, “This is my beloved Son, hear Him”.

• Annunciation: Day to recall the visit of Archangel Gabriel announcing the Incarnation to Mary.

• All Saints’ Day: Day to remember the saints and martyrs of the Church not included with special days on the calendar. The last great festival of the Church Year. At Epiphany our service starts at the Columbarium, where we remember departed loved ones and those who have gone before us, before processing into the Church. After

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY ACOLYTE MANUAL PAGE 23 OF 28 the service we will celebrate the culmination of Stewardship with a pot-luck luncheon called the Ingathering.

Saints’ Days: Commemorate the lives of the saints and martyrs.

• Rogation Days: Days on which special prayers for the fruits of the Earth are offered.

• Ember Days: Days on which special prayers for the increase of the ordained ministry are offered.

NOTES

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY ACOLYTE MANUAL PAGE 24 OF 28 ORDER OF SERVICE - HOLY EUCHARIST

**THE WORD OF GOD** **THE HOLY COMMUNION**

Entrance Hymn Offertory Sentence

Acclamation (and for Purity) Offertory Anthem

(Song of Praise) (Presentation Hymn)

Salutation and Collect of the Day The Great Thanksgiving Lesson Proper Preface Psalm or Canticle Prayer of New Testament Lesson

Sequence Hymn (or ) The Lord’s Prayer

The Holy Gospel The Breaking of the Bread ()

Sermon Invitation to Communion

Nicene Creed The Communion of the People

Prayers of the People (Prayer for Lay Eucharistic Ministers)

Confession of Sin and Absolution Postcommunion Prayer (except during Easter & Christmas seasons) Blessing

(Commissioning forms) Departing Hymn

The Peace and announcements

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY ACOLYTE MANUAL PAGE 25 OF 28 EXTRA RITES WHICH MAY BE ADDED TO THE HOLY EUCHARIST

Holy Baptism may replace the standard Word of God section of the Holy Eucharist.

Holy Confirmation may replace the standard Word of God section of the Holy Eucharist.

Commissioning of certain ministries or a Dedication of a special gift, may be inserted appropriately into the Word of God section of the Holy Eucharist.

A marriage service sometimes includes communion. This is called “Holy Matrimony and Nuptial Eucharist”.

A burial service sometimes includes communion. This is called “Burial and Eucharist”.

NOTES

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY ACOLYTE MANUAL PAGE 26 OF 28 EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY ACOLYTE MANUAL PAGE 27 OF 28

TABLE OF CONTENTS

History of the office of Acolyte 2 Acolytes at Epiphany 3 Purpose 4 Acolyte Rules 5 Vestments 6 Altar, Baptistry and Procession Appointments 8 Christian Symbolism in Architecture and Appointments 11 Symbolism of Liturgical Colors 13 Customs and Procedures 14 General instructions 15 Other Procession and service duties 17 First Server Duties 17 Church History 19 Organizational Information 20 The Prayer Book 22 Church Year 23 Order of Service 25 Extra Rites which may be added 26

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY ACOLYTE MANUAL TABLE OF CONTENTS