The MINISTRY of ACOLYTES
ST. ELISABETH’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR ACOLYTES
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Your duties should be performed with reverence, without unnecessarily drawing
attention to yourself or creating a distraction for others.
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Always walk slowly with your hands held together in front of you. Your movements
should never appear rushed or hurried.
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Participate in the entire worship service by standing, sitting, and/or kneeling, when
appropriate.
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Always stand when the Gospel is being read, while singing congregational hymns,
during the reciting of the Creed, and at other times whenever the congregation is
standing – or as you are directed.
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Always pause to bow simply when approaching the altar or when crossing in front
of the altar. BUT, NEVER BOW if you are carrying a processional cross or a torch.
Processional crosses and torches should be held upright at all times.
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Pay close attention to the clergy and what is happening in the liturgy so that you
will be ready to assist at the altar, ring the bell, and lead the recessional.
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Pay close attention to the Celebrant and follow his or her gestures. In other words,
bow or cross yourself when the Celebrant does.
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When assisting with the setting of the altar, bring the bread and wine all the way up
to the altar.
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No chewing gum, please!
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Enjoy your time serving at the altar of the Lord.
GENERAL NOTES
□ Please study and keep these instructions for reference.
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Inform the Rector of any concerns or issues that you may have after the service.
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Remember that we all need assistance at times. If you notice that a task has not
been completed properly, take the necessary steps to see that the job is done well.
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Always remember the important role you have in sharing Christ’s presence with the
people of God.
Make everyone feel welcome at God’s altar
whether they are with us for the first time or the thousandth time.
UPDATED
9.25.2013
“I will go to the altar of God,
to God, my joy and my delight”
- Psalm 43:4
The ministry of acolytes is a serving ministry of the Church that comes from ancient times.
The word “Acolyte” comes from the Greek word “akolouthos,” meaning a servant or
attendant who waits continually upon another: a follower. From those days until now
acolytes have been faithful and conscientious men, women, boys and girls, who serve Christ
Jesus at his sacred altar. Their service helps to keep the liturgy flowing smoothly, thus
opening the way for worshipers to participate without distraction. It is a privilege to serve
at God’s Table, and what an acolyte does is an offering to God and also a responsibility.
TRADITIONAL 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.
PREPARATION - ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE
□ Check The Messenger or the church website each month for your assignments.
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If you are unable to serve, YOU must find a substitute.
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Once you have found a substitute, please notify Debbie Nelson, the Acolyte Master.
BEFORE THE SERVICE
□ Arrive 15 minutes before the service.
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Speak with the Verger about any last minute changes in the service.
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Vest in your alb and cincture. Your alb should reach to your ankles. Be aware that
any printed t-shirts or distinct patterns can be seen through the alb. Please dress
appropriately for your ministry.
DURING THE SERVICE - SENIOR ACOLYTE
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Process with the cross behind the verger. Do NOT bow at the predella/platform.
Go to the right and store the cross properly in its place.
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During the collection of the offering, stand up and move to the credence table to
help prepare for communion.
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At the 8 and 9 services, pick up the bread (either the paten/plate with the bread or
the pix/bread box with wafers) walk up to the altar, and hand it to the person
setting the table. At the 11 service, the bread will be placed on the table as offering.
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At the 8 and 9 services, pick up the wine cruet/silver or ceramic jug, walk up to the
altar, and hand it to the person setting the table. At the 11 service, the wine will be
placed on the table as offering.
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At all three services, pick up the water cruet/silver or ceramic jug, walk up to the
altar, and hand it to the person setting the table. Wait for them to add water to the
wine and then receive the water back.
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Pick up the lavabo/bowl for hand washing in your left hand, pick up the lavabo
towel/long rectangular linen and place it on your left arm, and pick up the water
cruet/silver or ceramic jug in your right hand. Go to the celebrant. When she/he
holds their hands over the bowl, gently pour a little water over their hands.
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Receive communion with the altar party, approaching the altar after the prayers.
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During the post-communion prayer, move behind the predella/platform and get
the cross. Process with the cross behind the verger.
DURING THE SERVICE - JUNIOR ACOLYTE
□ Process with the torch behind the crucifer/cross bearer. Do NOT bow at the
predella/platform. Go to the ambo and place your torch properly in its place.
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At the 9 and 11 services, stand up during the sequence hymn, walk to the ambo,
and pick up your torch.
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Follow the verger to the front of the predella/platform and wait for the Gospel
reader to bring the book from the altar.
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If you are the Senior Acolyte, pick up the processional cross and move quietly to
the back of the nave/nave.
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Follow the verger to the middle of the congregation. When the verger stops, turn
and face the other torch bearer.
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If you are a Junior Acolyte, pick up a torch and move to the back of the
nave/church.
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Receive communion with the altar party, approaching the altar after the prayers.
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After the post-communion prayer, get your torch, follow the crucifer/cross bearer.