Altar Party (Acolyte) Customary

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Altar Party (Acolyte) Customary Altar Party (Acolyte) Customary 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. Page 1 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. Page 2 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. Page 3 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 Page 4 Altar Party (Acolyte) Customary between procession members. Timing is important to avoid having to hurry down the aisle in order to regain that spacing. Page 5 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.
Recommended publications
  • Altar Servers
    1 NEIGHBORS NORTH CATHOLIC COMMUNITY TRAINING SHEET: ALTAR SERVERS The Basics Posture -Most people can see us: make sure your posture is good! -Hands: folded when standing or kneeling (against body), on legs when sitting -Sit up straight, both legs flat on the floor -Cover your mouth when you yawn Moving -Walk at a normal pace -Sit, stand, kneel, turn with the other servers -Stay side-by-side with the other altar server if you are together -Come towards the altar from the side -Watch your alb! It’s okay to fix it during Mass -Face the action: if someone is talking, turn towards them Bowing and Genuflecting -Bow when passing the altar or leaving it (after handing or taking something to/from clergy) -Genuflect when passing the tabernacle or approaching it -Altar is the priority during Mass, tabernacle outside of Mass -Hands folded if not carrying anything -If carrying something, stop when passing altar or tabernacle and bow your head -Bow head at the name of Jesus, Mary, the Trinity, and the saint for that day -Bow head at the Epiclesis (when the Priest puts his hands over the bread and wine) -Bow head at Words of Institution (“This is my Body”) -Let clergy/staff correct other ministers 2 Handling Vessels -Priest to deacon to altar server; altar server to deacon to Priest -Only take things off altar if they’re on the corner/side -Always carry Priest’s chalice on its own, with two hands -Everything else can go on the tray -Use the tray before and after Mass, but not during Mass -Hold things in your right hand and put your left on your chest -Only one thing in each hand -Hold cruets (water and wine) with the handle side out -If you can’t lift it, ask for help! Setting the Altar -A deacon or priest will always set the altar (you still put the book/Missal on the altar) -Help them by bringing the vessels to them, one at a time Preferences -“Priest Presider Preferences” sheet is in the sacristy -This tells you about bells, the book stand, a chalice veil, etc.
    [Show full text]
  • CORPUS CHRISTI June 23, 2019 ‘Peace of the Lord Be with You’ Order of Mass
    SAINT ADELAIDE PARISH 708 Lowell Street Peabody, MA 01960 Father Raymond Van De Moortell ~ Father David Lewis Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam ~ For the Greater Glory of God CORPUS CHRISTI June 23, 2019 ‘Peace of the Lord Be With You’ Order of Mass MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST Saturday, June 22, 2019, 4:00 p.m. Sunday, June 23, 2019, 8:30 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. 12:00 Latin Mass, see separate sheet The items in bold print may be found in the blue St. Michael Hymnal. INTRODUCTORY RITES The LORD has sworn, and he will not repent: “You are a priest forever, according to the order PRELUDE: Adoro Te Devote Fedak of Melchizedek.” HYMN: “O Living Bread from Heaven” 670 SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 PENITENTIAL ACT: (“I confess…”) page 15 Brothers and sisters: I received from the Lord KYRIE: “Mass of the Sacred Heart” 141 what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Je- sus, on the night he was handed over, took GLORIA: Roman Missal Chant 125 bread, and, after he had given thanks, broke it COLLECT and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way O God, who in this wonderful Sacrament have also the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is left us a memorial of your Passion, grant us, we the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as of- pray, so to revere the sacred mysteries of your ten as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” Body and Blood that we may always experience For as often as you eat this bread and drink the in ourselves the fruits of your redemption.
    [Show full text]
  • St. James Community of Faith the Ministry of Acolyte Fall, 2016
    St. James Community of Faith The Ministry of Acolyte Fall, 2016 Ministry, is first of all, receiving God’s blessing from those to whom we minister. What is this blessing? It is a glimpse of the face of God. ~Henri Nouwen Acolyte Ministry You are volunteering as a server at church. You light candles, hold the books, handle the vessels, and arrange the cloths. You help the other ministers focus on their work by simplifying their motions and eliminating distractions. You help the entire community celebrate Eucharist by your humble service. Your actions may seem routine, but everyone depends on you to do them without flash. When you serve well, no one notices you. People only notice when things go awry. Still, the Church relies on the assistance of adult servers. Whether in parishes, convents, monasteries, or chapels, adults serve Mass. They join in the prayer, and they assure the smooth execution of the liturgy. 1. Theology and History of the Server The word Eucharist means "thanksgiving". It comes from a Greek word. To this day, when modern Greeks say, "Thank you," they say Eucharisto." It is one of the most used words in the language. Mass is an act of thanksgiving. Through it we call to mind the great deeds God has done for us, and we express our gratitude for them. We do this especially in the prayers. The word Mass means "sending". It comes from the Latin words that conclude the service: Ite, missa est. It has been translated many ways, such as "Co forth, the Mass is ended." Or, more freely, "Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life." "Go, you have been sent." We call this part of Mass the dismissal, but it is not just a "sending from." It is a "sending to." We are not just ending our time of prayer together.
    [Show full text]
  • Volume 89 Number 1 March 2020 V Olume 89 Number 1 March 2020
    Volume 89 Volume Number 1 March 2020 Volume 89 Number 1 March 2020 Historical Society of the Episcopal Church Benefactors ($500 or more) President Dr. F. W. Gerbracht, Jr. Wantagh, NY Robyn M. Neville, St. Mark’s School, Fort Lauderdale, Florida William H. Gleason Wheat Ridge, CO 1st Vice President The Rev. Dr. Thomas P. Mulvey, Jr. Hingham, MA J. Michael Utzinger, Hampden-Sydney College Mr. Matthew P. Payne Appleton, WI 2nd Vice President The Rev. Dr. Warren C. Platt New York, NY Robert W. Prichard, Virginia Theological Seminary The Rev. Dr. Robert W. Prichard Alexandria, VA Secretary Pamela Cochran, Loyola University Maryland The Rev. Dr. Gardiner H. Shattuck, Jr. Warwick, RI Treasurer Mrs. Susan L. Stonesifer Silver Spring, MD Bob Panfil, Diocese of Virginia Director of Operations Matthew P. Payne, Diocese of Fond du Lac Patrons ($250-$499) [email protected] Mr. Herschel “Vince” Anderson Tempe, AZ Anglican and Episcopal History The Rev. Cn. Robert G. Carroon, PhD Hartford, CT Dr. Mary S. Donovan Highlands Ranch, CO Editor-in-Chief The Rev. Cn. Nancy R. Holland San Diego, CA Edward L. Bond, Natchez, Mississippi The John F. Woolverton Editor of Anglican and Episcopal History Ms. Edna Johnston Richmond, VA [email protected] The Rev. Stephen A. Little Santa Rosa, CA Church Review Editor Richard Mahfood Bay Harbor, FL J. Barrington Bates, Prof. Frederick V. Mills, Sr. La Grange, GA Diocese of Newark [email protected] The Rev. Robert G. Trache Fort Lauderdale, FL Book Review Editor The Rev. Dr. Brian K. Wilbert Cleveland, OH Sheryl A. Kujawa-Holbrook, Claremont School of Theology [email protected] Anglican and Episcopal History (ISSN 0896-8039) is published quarterly (March, June, September, and Sustaining ($100-$499) December) by the Historical Society of the Episcopal Church, PO Box 1301, Appleton, WI 54912-1301 Christopher H.
    [Show full text]
  • The Instrumental Cross and the Use of the Gospel Book Troyes, Bibliothèque Municipale MS 960
    The Instrumental Cross and the Use of the Gospel Book Troyes, Bibliothèque Municipale MS 960 Beatrice Kitzinger In approximately 909, a Breton named Matian together with his wife Digrenet donated a gospel manuscript to a church called Rosbeith. They intended it should remain there on pain of anathema, never to be taken from the church by force but provided with a dispensation for removal by students for the express purpose of writing or reading. With the exception of the date, which is recorded elsewhere in the manuscript, these specifications all appear in a short text written in distinctive, highlighted script at the close of Luke’s chapter list (f. 71): These little letters recount how Matian, and his wife Digrenet, gave these four books of the gospel as a gift to the church of Rosbeith for their souls. And whosoever should remove this evangelium from that church by force, may he be anathema—excepting a student [in order] to write or to read.1 The location of Rosbeith is unknown, but we may surmise that it was a church attached to a larger abbey in Brittany, according to Breton nomenclature.2 Apart from their Breton origins and evident appreciation for scholarship, the identities of Matian and Digrenet are similarly murky. The particularizing nature of the note extends only to a statement of Matian and Digrenet’s motive for the gift—“for their souls”—and a designation of the contents: “these four books of the gospel.” We know, however, that the couple was anxious Kitzinger – Instrumental Cross about the fate of their souls at judgment, and we know that they thought the gospel manuscript at hand might help.
    [Show full text]
  • Procedures for Reverencing the Tabernacle and the Altar Before, During and After Mass
    Procedures for Reverencing the Tabernacle and the Altar Before, During and After Mass Key Terms: Eucharist: The true presence of Christ in the form of his Body and Blood. During Mass, bread and wine are consecrated to become the Body and Blood of Christ. Whatever remains there are of the Body of Christ may be reserved and kept. Tabernacle: The box-like container in which the Eucharistic Bread may be reserved. Sacristy: The room in the church where the priest and other ministers prepare themselves for worship. Altar: The table upon which the bread and wine are blessed and made holy to become the Eucharist. Sanctuary: Often referred to as the Altar area, the Sanctuary is the proper name of the area which includes the Altar, the Ambo (from where the Scriptures are read and the homily may be given), and the Presider’s Chair. Nave: The area of the church where the majority of worshippers are located. This is where the Pews are. Genuflection: The act of bending one knee to the ground whilst making the sign of the Cross. Soon (maybe even next weekend – August 25-26) , the tabernacle will be re-located to behind the altar. How should I respond to the presence of the reserved Eucharist when it will now be permanently kept in the church sanctuary? Whenever you are in the church, you are in a holy place, walking upon holy ground. Everyone ought to be respectful of Holy Rosary Church as a house of worship and prayer. Respect those who are in silent prayer.
    [Show full text]
  • Sample Parish Job Description
    CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Job description for: Sacristan Position Summary: In general, this role serves as an arranger for worship services, ensuring that vestments and linens are arranged and ready, that altar vessels are kept safe, that consumables like altar wines and altar bread are in adequate supply, and that the church as a whole is kept secure and in veneration shape. The sacristan needs to work and communicate well with the liturgy coordinator, the rector, the deacons and pastors to attend to the environment of worship. A sacristan should have a solid understanding of how liturgies flow, the order of Mass and services, and the basic teachings of and respect for the Roman Catholic faith. A sacristan’s schedule is heavily dependent on the church’s worship schedule. Hours can include weekends, evenings and holidays and will vary during the seasons of Christmas, Holy Week and Easter. Working hours include opening church an hour before confessions or celebration of any Mass and close church after liturgy. A bi-weekly time sheet will be kept by employee and signed by the liturgy coordinator. Primary Duties and Responsibilities of Sacristan (include but are not limited to): Opening the Cathedral. Preparing the altar and worship space for all liturgies -weekday and weekly liturgies, funerals and special feast days, wedding, funerals, holy days and holiday services; laying out linens, host and sacramental wine, vestments, special seating, offertory tables and linens, and worship aides; cleaning up used Sacristies vessels and locking up church. Care of altar flowers, feast day and holiday greens and decorations, ordinary time plants and funeral arrangements; arranging liturgical candles (tapers, Paschal, devotional); palms for Palm Sunday.
    [Show full text]
  • Inviting a Response: the Altar Call in Contemporary Mission and Ministry in Britain and Ireland
    WBC Journal Issue 1 August 2015 Inviting a Response: The altar call in contemporary mission and ministry in Britain and Ireland By Jonathan Roberts Abstract This article charts the use of the ‘altar call’ or ‘appeal’ from its beginnings in America in the 18th century, to its place in Britain and the early Salvation Army. It investigates its use in contemporary denominations within Britain and Ireland, and asks whether it remains an effective evangelistic method. It concludes that it still has a place within a process-orientated approach to evangelism and an overall emphasis upon the journey of faith, worship and ministry. A postmodern culture continues to value opportunities for symbolic public response in faith commitment and spiritual growth and development. Introduction Salvationists are accustomed to the sight of someone walking forward at the end of a sermon in response to an altar call – also known as an appeal or an invitation. It has been part of Salvation Army worship since the movement’s beginnings in 1865. William Booth had used the altar call as a Methodist minister in the 1850s and as a travelling revivalist in the 1860s. Its origins, however, lay on the other side of the Atlantic in the mid-eighteenth century. It was used infrequently to begin with, but by the end of the century it was fairly common among American Baptists, Congregationalists and especially Methodists. Then the camp meetings of the early nineteenth century led to it becoming a standard and commonplace evangelistic practice. These meetings derived from the Presbyterian tradition of holding four or five days of special communion services.
    [Show full text]
  • Church and Liturgical Objects and Terms
    Church and Liturgical Objects and Terms Liturgical Objects Used in Church The chalice: The The paten: The vessel which golden “plate” that holds the wine holds the bread that that becomes the becomes the Sacred Precious Blood of Body of Christ. Christ. The ciborium: A The pyx: golden vessel A small, closing with a lid that is golden vessel that is used for the used to bring the distribution and Blessed Sacrament to reservation of those who cannot Hosts. come to the church. The purificator is The cruets hold the a small wine and the water rectangular cloth that are used at used for wiping Mass. the chalice. The lavabo towel, The lavabo and which the priest pitcher: used for dries his hands after washing the washing them during priest's hands. the Mass. The corporal is a square cloth placed The altar cloth: A on the altar beneath rectangular white the chalice and cloth that covers paten. It is folded so the altar for the as to catch any celebration of particles of the Host Mass. that may accidentally fall The altar A new Paschal candles: Mass candle is prepared must be and blessed every celebrated with year at the Easter natural candles Vigil. This light stands (more than 51% near the altar during bees wax), which the Easter Season signify the and near the presence of baptismal font Christ, our light. during the rest of the year. It may also stand near the casket during the funeral rites. The sanctuary lamp: Bells, rung during A candle, often red, the calling down that burns near the of the Holy Spirit tabernacle when the to consecrate the Blessed Sacrament is bread and wine present there.
    [Show full text]
  • Did You Know? Facts About Our Faith & Our Church a Series By: Kevin Mathieu - Director of Liturgical Music & Parish Communications January, 2021 Issue Number: 2
    Did you know? Facts about our Faith & our Church a series by: Kevin Mathieu - Director of Liturgical Music & Parish Communications January, 2021 Issue Number: 2 Sacred Vessels & Altar Appointments What are all those things called? - The Catholic Church has a long tradition of beautiful well appointed items used in the Sacred Liturgy, each having a special name and function. In this issue I will just scratch the surface to identify and explain most of the common items we see each week, and a few of the “special occasion” items that only appear a few times, or even only once a year. Please bear with me as I try not to get to “in depth” with the following descriptions. We can begin with one of the most recognized liturgical items, the Chalice. From the Roman word calix, a chalice is a tall, footed goblet for holding drink. In the Catholic Church, the chalice holds the blessed, then consecrated wine, the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ. Usually made of precious metals and sometimes richly ornamented, they show just how special what they contain is. The Catholic Church sets forth guidelines on construction and materials for chalices, one of those being, the cup that will contain the Precious Blood must be lined with precious metal (usually gold) if it is not constructed of it. While we all get to see the beautiful silver of Father Lizewski’s chalice, not many see the gold interior. Blessed by a Bishop (usually at a priests ordination) the chalice is truly the most important of the sacred vessels used at MASS every day.
    [Show full text]
  • Altar Server Instructions Booklet
    Christ the King Catholic Church ALTAR SERVER INSTRUCTIONS Revised May, 2012 - 1 - Table of Contents Overview – All Positions ................................................................................................................ 4 Pictures of Liturgical Items ............................................................................................................. 7 Definition of Terms: Liturgical Items Used At Mass ..................................................................... 8 Helpful Hints and Red Cassocks................................................................................................... 10 1st Server Instructions ................................................................................................................. 11 2nd Server Instructions ................................................................................................................ 14 Crucifer Instructions .................................................................................................................... 17 Special Notes about FUNERALS ................................................................................................ 19 BENEDICTION .......................................................................................................................... 23 - 2 - ALTAR SERVER INSTRUCTIONS Christ the King Church OVERVIEW INTRODUCTION First of all, THANK YOU for answering God’s call to assist at Mass. You are now one of the liturgical ministers, along with the priest, deacon, lector and Extraordinary
    [Show full text]
  • Acolyte Training Information
    When you serve God by serving as an acolyte, you are doing more than carrying a flame to the altar candles. You are symbolically bringing the light of Christ’s spirit into the worship service. I hope that by serving as an acolyte, you will be filled with a sense of spiritual meaning and fulfillment. You will make new friends, have fun, and through your commitment grow in service to our church. I hope this manual will provide a quick reference for you as you begin your journey as an acolyte. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our acolyte coordinator, Jill Ingram @ 650-8607 or [email protected]. You have made an important promise to First United Methodist Church by agreeing to serve as an acolyte. I welcome you and thank you for helping in this very significant position. Background An acolyte is a person who assists in the worship service. Normally, the acolyte serves by lighting and extinguishing the candles on the altar table and by carrying in the cross. Occasionally, an acolyte also may assist in other portions of the worship service. It is the custom in our church for acolytes to be young boys and girls who are in about the third through seventh grades. However, teens and adults also may serve as acolytes. DID YOU KNOW? The acolyte ministry originated from Old Testament times. The Scriptures tell us of the prophet Samuel assisting Eli the priest, and of Elijah being assisted by Elisha. The word “acolyte” comes from the Greek word “akolouthos,” which means a servant or attendant who waits on another.
    [Show full text]