Altar Party (Acolyte) Customary

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Altar Party (Acolyte) Customary As of 7/8/2016

Acolyte is a term that applies to all persons who serve in the altar party. They include Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Servers, Torchbearers, Gospel Bearers, and Crucifers.

Acolytes may be asked to serve or they may volunteer. They serve with the approval of the rector

General Guidelines Around the tenth of the month, the Acolyte Master will send an email requesting availability dates for the upcoming month. Respond as soon as possible to facilitate scheduling. On the twentieth of the month, the Acolyte Master will distribute the schedule for the succeeding month. It is the acolyte’s responsibility to obtain a substitute if unable to serve at the appointed time.

Acolytes are expected to participate fully in the liturgy, singing hymns, listening attentively to the sermon, etc. Before the service, LEMs and Servers should retrieve hymnals from their respective seats in the sanctuary so that they may participate in the opening processional hymn. After the service, they should return the hymnals.

Reverencing the cross can be done by bowing from the waist, by bowing the head. Less traditionally at Epiphany, genuflecting is a way of reverencing the cross. If an acolyte is carrying a cross, torch, the Gospel book, or candle lighter/snuffer, a simple pause suffices.

In portions of the service when the Priest is seated, Acolytes wait for the Priest to sit first. This shows respect for the clergy and willingness to follow their example.

Acolytes should always stand up straight. Torches and processional crosses should always be upright, even when not in procession.

When sitting, Acolytes sit up straight in their chairs, knees together, feet together. Hands should be folded or lie flat on one’s knees palm down.

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Altar Party (Acolyte) Customary

Acolyte Master The Acolyte Master is responsible for scheduling and training all acolytes. In addition, the Acolyte Master insures that all acolytes needed for a service are in place and vested at least 15 minutes prior to the service.

The Acolyte Master serves a term of three years, with the option available for a one year extension. During the last year, the Acolyte Master should have a successor identified who can serve as an understudy and, if necessary, as substitute on occasion.

Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEMs)

Description and qualifications LEMs are responsible for the distribution of Holy Communion in the form of wine. There may be rare circumstances when a LEM is asked to distribute Holy Communion in the form of bread.

The rector will request that the Diocese of Alabama grant a license to the individual to distribute Holy Communion. Normally, under diocesan policies, the license has a three year term, with the option of a second three year term. After two such terms, the LEM will be removed from service for at least one year. License records are maintained by the church and the acolyte master.

Only confirmed members in good standing may be LEMs.

Vesting Each LEM is expected to vest in an alb, a cincture, and a pectoral cross. These are available in the closet in the vesting room (parlor). Before serving for the first time, the LEM should identify albs from the closet that fit appropriately. Each alb is numbered and a chart is kept on the closet door listing the albs that are good fits for each acolyte. The Acolyte Master is responsible for seeing that the alb fits and for maintaining the chart.

The cincture is tied around the waist leaving the knot on the left side. The cinctures are hung on the wall of the vestment closet. See How to Tie a Cincture or How to Tie a Cincture (Video) for instructions for tying the cincture.

The pectoral crosses are hung on the wall of the vestment closet. An acolyte may use a personal cross, provided that it is tasteful and does not distract from the liturgy.

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Altar Party (Acolyte) Customary

All acolytes are expected to be in the vesting room and vested, fifteen (15) minutes prior to the start of the service.

Procession

LEMs follow the choir in both the opening and closing processions. During the opening procession, the two LEMs leave about three pew lengths between the choir and themselves. They should walk slowly and reverently. When they arrive at the communion rail gate, they should reverence the cross, then proceed to the two chairs immediately to the left of the altar cross (as one faces the altar), pick up a hymnal from the chair (if they haven’t carried one in procession), and join the rest of the congregation in the opening hymn.

Procedures The LEM is expected to maintain a reverent attitude during the service, participating fully in the service.

Before the service, the LEM should wash both hands thoroughly.

At the time for communion, the Priest will distribute the bread and wine to all acolytes. The Priest then prepares both chalices for the remaining distribution. When the Priest moves to the communion rail to begin distributing the bread, each LEM will take one chalice and one purificator. Each LEM will take a position to the side of the altar. The one on the side nearest the aumbry will cover the rail from the center gate to the end of the rail. The LEM on the other side will cover the rail from the end to the center gate.

The LEM administers the wine with the words, “The blood of Christ, the cup of salvation.” The LEM should always maintain control of the chalice. If the communicant wishes to guide the chalice, always make sure to keep one hand on the stem. Tip the chalice so that the communicant can receive a hospitable sip as desired.

The communicant wishing to receive by intinction may hand the LEM the host. The LEM dips the host in the wine and places it on the communicant’s tongue. Alternatively, the communicant may wish to dip the host in the wine; the LEM should insure that only the bread (no fingers) is dipped into the wine.

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Altar Party (Acolyte) Customary

The communicant may choose to receive communion in one form only with arms crossed over the chest. It is appropriate to stand before the communicant and repeat the words of administration.

Use a clean portion of the purificator to wipe the lip of the chalice between communicants. [NOTE: The Altar Guild is most appreciative when Eucharistic Ministers take care not to wipe the chalice directly with embroidered embellishments on the purificators.] Then, give the chalice a quarter turn.

The LEM should make sure the chalice stays at least halfway full. The Server will make sure that there is sufficient reserve wine to refill both chalices. The LEM should indicate to the Server (usually after completing a “pass” along the rail) that a refill is required. To avoid drops of wine staining the fair linen, the LEM holds the chalice over the corporal and uses the purificator to wipe any drop that remains on the lip of the cruet. Then the LEM returns to the communion rail and continues with distribution. Please note: the chalice should never be placed on the fair linen. The LEM should always place the chalice on the corporal when refilling the chalice or when returning the chalice to the priest for the ablutions.

If wine spills, the LEM uses the purificator to wipe it up. If the purificator becomes soaked or soiled, the LEM should obtain another one from the burse on the altar.

The LEM should be alert at the end of distribution at the communion rail. The ushers will indicate to the LEM or to the Priest whether there are communicants in the nave who are unable to approach the communion rail on their own. If that is the case, once they have opened the gate, the Priest and one LEM will take communion to the person in the pew.

After everyone has received communion, the LEMs should return their chalices and purificators to the corporal so that the Priest can perform the final ablutions (cleaning) of the vessels.

The LEMs may be asked to assist in consuming the remaining wine. It is appropriate to take a “long sip” – one swallow – in order to assist in this process. To consume any more is not gracious and calls unnecessary attention to the process.

At the closing procession, the LEMs should time their movements so as to be able to go to the communion rail gate, reverence the cross, and then fall into procession behind the choir without leaving too large a gap. Again, three pews is appropriate spacing

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Altar Party (Acolyte) Customary between procession members. Timing is important to avoid having to hurry down the aisle in order to regain that spacing.

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Altar Party (Acolyte) Customary

Server

Description and qualifications The Server assists the clergy person in preparing for communion, assists by handing the clergy person implements requested, and helps at the end of service by taking the implements of worship from the Priest and placing them on the credence table. The Server is also responsible for lighting the Eucharistic and (when present) Paschal candles.

Vesting The Server is expected to vest in an alb, a cincture, and a pectoral cross. These are available in the closet in the vesting room (parlor). Before serving for the first time, the Server should identify albs from the closet that fit appropriately. Each alb is numbered and a chart is kept on the closet door listing the albs that are good fits for each acolyte. The acolyte master is responsible for seeing that the alb fits and for maintaining the chart.

The pectoral crosses are hung on the wall of the vestment closet. An acolyte may use a personal cross, provided that it is tasteful and does not distract from the liturgy.

All acolytes are expected to be in the vesting room and vested, fifteen (15) minutes prior to the start of the service.

Procession The Server follows the LEMs in both the opening and closing processions.

During the opening procession, the Server leaves about three pew lengths between the LEMs and himself. The Server should walk slowly and reverently. After arriving at the communion rail gate, the Server should reverence the cross, and then proceed to the chair next to the Priest’s chair.

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Altar Party (Acolyte) Customary

At the closing procession, the Server follows the LEMs. Timing should be so as to leave an appropriate space between the Server and the LEMs, but not so large a space that one has to hurry to catch up.

Procedures The first task of the Server is to light the Eucharistic (and Paschal, if present) candles on the altar fifteen minutes before the service begins. First, the Server should light the Paschal candle, if present). Then, the Server approaches the sanctuary, reverences the cross, and then lights the two Eucharistic candles. The Server should retract the wick so that the flame is extinguished, then thumb the wick back out so that it doesn’t stick. The Server returns the candle lighter to its place.

At the offertory, the Server moves to the communion rail gate to receive the bread and the wine from the greeters. The Server then takes the bread and wine to the Priest. The Server returns to the chair but remains standing by the credence table.

The time when the Priest is preparing the bread and wine for communion is a good time to retrieve the small silver case containing the gluten free wafers from the aumbry. The Server opens the case and leaves it to the right of the corporal.

Next, the Priest may ask the Server for the spare wine cruet. Then, the Priest will ask the Server for the water cruet. In both cases, the Server removes the stoppers from the cruets before presenting to the Priest, handle first.

While the Priest is working with the water at the altar, the Server places the lavabo (hand washing) basin in one hand and drapes the lavabo towel over the left forearm. The Priest will bring the water cruet to the Server for the washing of hands. The Server pours water over the Priest’s hands until the Priest indicates for the Server to stop. The Priest will take the towel to dry hands and return the towel to the Server’s forearm. The Server then returns the lavabo implements to the credence table.

At the conclusion of the offertory, when the offerings are brought forward, the Server goes to the communion rail gate, receives the offerings (including the children’s offering basket) and returns to the Priest’s side with the gifts. The Priest will offer the gifts and give them back to the Server, who places them under the credence table.

At the time for communion, the Server will receive the bread from the Priest, and then the rest of the altar party will receive the bread. Next, the Server will receive the wine. While the rest of the altar party is receiving the wine, the Server should take the second chalice and purificator from the credence table and place them on the corporal.

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Altar Party (Acolyte) Customary

While the elements are being distributed, the Server should remain alert to refill the LEMs chalices with wine as needed. The chalice should be on the corporal when it is refilled to prevent staining the fair linen. The Server may have to retrieve reserve sacramental wine from the aumbry if wine appears to run short. The Server may also need to retrieve reserved sacrament bread from the aumbry.

After communion, the Priest will give the Server the silver case with the gluten free wafers to be placed in the aumbry. If there is leftover consecrated wine in a cruet, the Priest will give that to the Server. Place the tassel that lies on the credence table on the cruet and place a stopper in it.

The Priest may ask the Server to help consume leftover wafers and/or wine.

The Priest will ask the Server for the water cruet, and then perform ablutions on the paten and chalices. The Priest will return the water cruet to the Server to be placed on the credence table. The Priest will give the remaining communion vessels to the Server for placement on or under the credence table.

After the blessing, during the announcements, the Server extinguishes the Eucharistic candles. If there is a Paschal candle, it should be extinguished last, preferably later, after the service has completed.

The Server processes out in the same order as the opening procession.

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Altar Party (Acolyte) Customary

Torchbearers

Description and qualifications

Torchbearers carry the two candles in the opening, Gospel, and closing processions.

Vesting The Torchbearers are to be vested in a red cassock, white cotta surplice, and pectoral cross.

These vestments are hung together on coat hangers in the vestment closet. Each coat hanger will contain cassock and cotta, similarly sized, and a pectoral cross.

A chart on the vestment closet door will contain the names of the Torchbearers and the lettered vestments that provide a suitable fit. Prior to serving the Acolyte Master will instruct the Torchbearer as to which vestments fit.

The Torchbearer should be in the vesting room (parlor) fifteen (15) minutes prior to the start of the service.

Procession The Torchbearers follow the Crucifer in the procession, leaving approximately three pews spacing. They should walk slowly and reverently.

When they get to the communion gate, they should stop and wait for the rest of the altar party to process into the sanctuary. Then, they should place their torches into the stand provided and proceed to the pew in front of the organ.

At the end of the service, when the Crucifer retrieves the crucifix, the Torchbearers will proceed to retrieve their torches and move to stand on either side of the Crucifer, following him in procession to the rear of the church. At the rear of the church, they should stand on either side of the Crucifer until the service has been dismissed. Then they should extinguish their torches and return them to the stand in the vesting room.

Procedures In addition to the activities during the opening and closing processions, the Torchbearers participate in the Gospel procession. When the time for the Gospel arrives, the clergy person will indicate to the Crucifer to retrieve the cross. At the same time, the Torchbearers should retrieve their torches, and proceed to either side of the communion rail gate. They should follow the Crucifer down the aisle for the Gospel. When the Crucifer stops and turns, they should turn so they are facing the middle of the

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Altar Party (Acolyte) Customary aisle, standing somewhat forward of the Crucifer’s position creating a triangle with the Crucifer. After the reading of the Gospel, the clergy person and the Gospel Bearer step aside, the Crucifer processes back to the sanctuary, followed by the Torchbearers, Gospel Bearer, and clergy person. The Torchbearers again wait at the communion rail gate for all others to enter the sanctuary, then return their torches to their stand and return to the pew assigned.

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Altar Party (Acolyte) Customary

Gospel Bearer

Description and qualifications The Gospel Bearer carries the Gospel book in the opening and closing processions and in the Gospel procession.

Vesting The Gospel Bearer is expected to vest in an alb, a cincture, and a pectoral cross. These are available in the closet in the vesting room (parlor). Prior to serving for the first time, the Gospel Bearer should identify albs from the closet that fit appropriately. Each alb is numbered and a chart is kept on the closet door listing the albs that are good fits for each acolyte. The acolyte master is responsible for seeing that the alb fits and for maintaining the chart.

The pectoral crosses are hung on the wall of the vestment closet. An acolyte may use a personal cross, provided that it is tasteful and does not distract from the liturgy.

All acolytes are expected to be in the vesting room and vested, fifteen (15) minutes prior to the start of the service.

Procession The Gospel Bearer follows the Server in procession. The Gospel Bearer should walk slowly and reverently, keeping a space of three pews between himself and the Server. The Gospel book is held high, with the cover of the book facing away from the body.

Procedures Before the service, if the altar guild has not placed the Gospel book in the vesting room, the Gospel Bearer should retrieve it from its place on the altar.

In the opening procession, upon entering the sanctuary, the Gospel Bearer should reverence the cross by pausing briefly, and then place the Gospel book, cover facing up, on the front center of the altar. The Gospel Bearer should then take a seat, which is the third from the left side of the cross (as one faces the altar). The Gospel Bearer should pick up a hymnal and join the congregation in singing the opening hymn.

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Altar Party (Acolyte) Customary

When it is time to read the Gospel and the Crucifer retrieves the cross, the Gospel Bearer should move to the front of the altar, pick up the Gospel book, reverence the cross by briefly pausing, and then turn and follow the Torchbearers to the place where the Gospel will be read, again with the book held high, cover facing out. Stopping in front of the Crucifer, the Gospel Bearer turns toward the clergy person and allows the clergy person to open the book to the reading. The clergy person will then give the book back to the Gospel Bearer, who is to hold the book against the Gospel Bearer’s chest with the text facing the clergy person.

At the conclusion of the Gospel reading, the Gospel Bearer closes the book, steps aside to allow the Crucifer and Torchbearers to process back toward the sanctuary, and follows them, again with the book held high, cover facing out. The Gospel Bearer returns the book to the altar as described in the procession.

At the end of the service, the Gospel Bearer follows the LEMs from the sanctuary. Before leaving the sanctuary, the Gospel Bearer picks up the Gospel book up from the altar, reverences the cross with a brief pause, and processes away from the sanctuary following the same procedure as described in the opening procession. At the rear of the church, the Gospel Bearer steps aside to await the dismissal. The Gospel Bearer then returns the Gospel book to the vesting room.

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Altar Party (Acolyte) Customary

Crucifer (Principal and Clergy)

Description The Crucifers carry the crosses in procession.

Vesting The Crucifers are expected to vest in an alb, a cincture, and a pectoral cross. These are available in the closet in the vesting room (parlor). Prior to serving for the first time, the Crucifer should identify albs from the closet that fit appropriately. Each alb is numbered and a chart is kept on the closet door listing the albs that are good fits for each acolyte. The Acolyte Master is responsible for seeing that the alb fits and for maintaining the chart.

The pectoral crosses are hung on the wall of the vestment closet. An acolyte may use a personal cross, provided that it is tasteful and does not distract from the liturgy.

All acolytes are expected to be in the vesting room and vested, fifteen (15) minutes prior to the start of the service.

Procession The Principal Crucifer leads all processions. For the opening procession, the Principal Crucifer stands in the center of the aisle at the rear of the church. The cross is raised and the procession begins at a slow and deliberate pace down the aisle when the signal comes from the Priest or other authorized person (e.g., acolyte master). Reaching the sanctuary step, the Principle Crucifer proceeds to place the cross in its holder. The Principle Crucifer is seated in the second chair from the Priest.

When the time to read the Gospel comes, the Priest will indicate when to retrieve the cross for the procession. The Principle Crucifer removes the cross from its holder, proceeds to the communion rail gate, then turns and proceeds down the aisle, stopping at the fifth pew. The Principle Crucifer then turns to face the sanctuary and lowers the cross. After the reading of the Gospel, the Priest and Gospel Bearer will step aside for the Principle Crucifer to proceed back to the sanctuary.

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Altar Party (Acolyte) Customary

At the closing procession, the Priest will again indicate when to retrieve the cross. The Principle Crucifer removes the cross from its holder, proceeds to the communion rail gate, then turns and proceeds down the aisle to the back of the church. The Principle Crucifer turns and lowers the cross so that it is facing the sanctuary. After the dismissal, the cross should be returned to its holder in the sanctuary, after the church has cleared of most of the people.

The Clergy Crucifer processes behind the Gospel Bearer and before the clergy at both the opening and closings processions. At the opening procession, after the cross is secured, the Clergy Crucifer is seated in the chair to the Gospel Bearer’s right. At the closing procession, the Clergy Crucifer proceeds to the rear of the church and steps aside, waiting for the dismissal. Like the Principle Crucifer, the Clergy Crucifer is responsible for returning the cross to its place in the sanctuary.

Procedures The Crucifer’s only other task is to follow the Server to the communion rail at the offertory, carrying the offering plates to hand to the ushers. The ushers tell the Crucifer the congregation count. The Crucifer relays the information to the priest. The Crucifer should return to the seat once this has been done.

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