GUIDELINES for PARISH ACOLYTES together with a GLOSSARY of LITURGICAL TERMS & COLORS GRACE‐ST. LUKE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE FALL, 2012 Guidelines for Parish Acolytes Grace‐St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Memphis, Tennessee Revised Fall, 2012 Welcome! Welcome to Grace‐St. Luke’s acolyting! You are not only entering into (or continuing) a vital ministry of our parish family but also that of the worldwide worshipping community of the Christian faith. “Acolytes” were first mentioned in a letter from the pope written to the Bishop of Antioch dated in the year 251 A.D. (CE) At that time, acolytes were included amongst the clergy—ordained Church leaders—serving alongside bishops, priests, deacons and others. Their duties at that time were meant to help young men prepare for the priestly ministry: taking charge of the candles in worship spaces (lighting and extinguishing them, as well as carrying them in procession) and in other ways by generally helping prepare for the Eucharist. Now as then, acolytes are considered to be “doers” and “getters,” because they assist in obtaining things or performing duties during worship. Though the term “acolyte” first appeared in the third century, “assistants” and “helpers” have aided in worship since the earliest times of recorded history. The Old Testament even relates the stories of a number of people who assisted in Jewish worship well before the Christian religion was formalized. The Greek word akolouthos (acolyte) actually means “follower” or “attendant.” It’s the word from which we understand contemporary acolyting. As acolytes we minister as followers and attendants, as assistants and helpers; and, in many ways, we continue the role of serving as worship leaders, too! Over time acolytes have been associated with a number of other servers—altar boys or girls, for instance. At one time an order for boys and young men only, girls and women have served widely as acolytes since the 1970s. Today, acolytes are lay members of the Church. This means that ordination as a member of the clergy is not necessary for one to serve in this ministry. Customarily at GSL, acolytes begin serving in their fourth grade year or later. Many serve through their senior year in high school, which is our hope for you, too. Occasionally, those who have graduated high school serve on special occasions and at weddings or funerals. In some places (occasionally at GSL!) adults serve as acolytes. In faithfulness you have agreed to serve God and the Parish Church of Grace‐St. Luke as an acolyte. The words of St. Vincent of Saragossa, patron saint of acolytes, will serve us well as we embark upon ministry together: Remember: our purpose is rooted in our love of God; our faithfulness is seen in our willingness to serve responsibly; and our loyalty is demonstrated in how carefully we carry out our duties. Again, welcome to this ministry! Thank you for your service to the parish and to God! 1 Prayers for Acolytes O God, our gracious Father: Bless the acolytes of your Church that they may so serve before your earthly altar in reverence and holiness, that they may attain, with all your saints and angels, the joy of serving you and worshipping you before your Heavenly Altar; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (p. 151, adapted) O God, who has made us in your image, we give thanks for friends and homes, for youth and strength, for hopes and dreams, and the joy of service in your Name. Help us to be honest, to live up to the best we know, and to grow in the knowledge and love of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. (p. 152, adapted) Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray you, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (p. 61) From: Carlozzi, Carl G. (comp.) Prayers for Pastor & People. New York: Church Publishing, Inc., 1984. Taken from several sources, including The Book of Common Prayer. So what do acolytes “do,” and why do we do it? Acolytes at GSL, as in other places, are full participants in the liturgy of the Church. In fact, all members of the congregation, those who are long‐term members and those who may simply be visiting, are invited through our worship service to participate fully in liturgy—the work of the people. From the beginning to the end of the service, acolytes function as representatives of the laity at God’s altar. Limited space precludes the majority of our members from gathering around the table at any one time; therefore acolytes represent the larger worshipping community in the congregation while the worship service is in progress. As the congregation begins and ends its worship, acolytes along with other servers (both clergy and lay persons) enter and depart the worship space. Our presence makes the space holy and calls on God to be with us. As we enter by way of the procession, we become symbols of the People of God gathering from every corner of the earth, coming together from every kind of background and history to worship God. As we leave, we go into the world to live our lives as witnesses to the way Jesus lived his life as our example. So then, acolytes function in two ways. First, there are practical jobs that we “do” as part of our service: carrying a torch or cross, sometimes a banner; giving out and receiving alms basins; closing and opening the altar rail gate and shifting kneeling cushions as we prepare for communion; and helping the clergy ready the table for worship, among other things. Secondly, we are living symbols of faith. We represent something much larger than ourselves, and all that we do or say or pray points to that larger reality—to God. As you can see, acolyting is a VERY IMPORTANT ministry. We’re glad you’re a part of it! 2 General Expectations Punctuality—Being on Time Prior to the beginning of each month of the year, all of us will receive a roster for the coming month, noting who is assigned to each service. If assigned to a specific service on a particular date, please arrive NO LATER THAN 15 minutes before the service begins. This allows time for us to receive instructions from the Verger, Acolyte Warden or clergy, to check assignments, to vest (and check our appearances) and to coordinate our duties with one another. Ten (10) minutes before the service begins all acolytes assemble in the Narthex (Peabody Avenue entryway into the Nave). At the direction of the Verger, we will take our places near the baptismal font at the rear of the Nave for the processional. Responsibility When we are assigned duties at specific services, it is the responsibility of each of us to arrive on time. If you are unable to serve it is your further responsibility to find someone to take your place and ensure s/he will be there to fill‐in for you. After a replacement is found, please notify the Verger assigned to your service date, letting him/her know you will be absent and just who will be serving in your place. Your substitute should be trained to perform the same duty as you (torchbearers substitute for torchbearers, crucifers for crucifers, etc.) REMEMBER: We work as a team, and your presence is crucial for this ministry to be successful. We’re counting on you, and you can count on us! Contacts for Acolytes & Parents Vergers Phone E‐mail Mr. Grant Adams, Acolyte Warden 527‐0083 [email protected] Mrs. Sidney Hickey, Head Verger 274‐2265 [email protected] Mrs. Sandra Ireland 274‐3009 [email protected] Dr. Daniel Pigg 276‐0642 [email protected] Dr. Hunter Rittenberry 274‐6120 [email protected] Clergy The Rev. Richard Lawson 272‐7425 ext.18 [email protected] The Rev. Gayle McCarty 272‐7425 ext.19 [email protected] The Rev. Joseph Wallace‐Williams 272‐7425 ext.13 [email protected] Training Sessions Acolytes are expected to attend two training sessions per year, one in the fall and one in the spring. These will normally be held following a 10:30 a.m. Sunday service, though occasionally a Saturday session may be required. Training and practice are important so that we are able to work together—so that we understand each other’s roles and duties. Please do your best to attend all sessions. With advanced notice, the Acolyte Warden, a verger and/or a member of the clergy can assist you with a brief “refresher” just before a service is to begin. At any time though, please know your questions are welcomed and encouraged. 3 Rehearsals for Special Services Rehearsals or run‐throughs will be held prior to any special services (Bishop’s annual visit, Christmas Eve, Easter Vigil, Easter Sunday, weddings and sometimes funerals, etc.) Our attendance is imperative when we are assigned to a special service. These are considered “special,” because they often include practices we may not normally perform at regular Sunday services. Attendance is mandatory. Preferred Attire & Appearance As acolytes, we should attempt to dress as uniformly as possible so that we do not distract others from worship. Our outfits, or vestments, match the basic ones of other Eucharistic ministers and the clergy. Some suggestions for preferred attire and appearance include: No “loud” prints which may show through white vestments T‐shirts with logos, sports jerseys and other clothing with colorful prints, stripes or other adornment are discouraged.