ACOLYTE TRAINING MANUALWelcome to the ministry of the Acolyte at Grace Episcopal Church. It is a privilege toserve at God’s Table, and what you do is an offering to God. But it is also aresponsibility and therefore requires knowledge, training and PRACTICE. By beingan acolyte, you’ve taken on a role of leadership in the worship service. Thank you!

This manual includes: a history of the ministry, terms you’ll need to know as well asresponsibilities and procedures. This manual describes the routine duties of anacolyte, as well as various extra duties for the more formal liturgies. And finally, itgives you written instructions for the proper manner in which these duties are to becarried out.

Even as we strive to do our best while serving God and our neighbor, we all makemistakes. When this happens, please remember these three things:

1. There is no mistake you can make that someone else hasn’t already made.2. There is no mistake you can make that cannot be corrected.3. God loves you, regardless of any mistakes you make.

By reading this manual thoroughly, you’ll have a firm foundation for theministry you offer and won’t be as prone to making certain mistakes. If you have anyquestions regarding the services and what you need to do, please ask them in a timelymanner. This means preferably before the morning you’re scheduled to serve, not justbefore you process down the aisle.

History and Function of AcolytesThe ministry of acolytes is a very old tradition in the Church. Acolytes have served asministry helpers at God’s altars for over seventeen centuries. Acolytes have beenaround as helpers to priests for almost as long as there have been priests. Today, acolytes serve at the altar and help bishops, priests and deacons. They generally assist in processions by carrying processional crosses, torches, flags, books and other items. They also assist with the preparation of the Altar and during the administration of Communion. Acolytes also may assist by holding the Gospel Book or other books, and by assisting at weddings, baptisms and funerals

Acolytes work in close coordination with members of a larger worship team. Thisteam includes the clergy, the altar guild, ushers, lectors, lay eucharistic ministers, musicians, and more, for each service. When we all come together and work as a team, we are able to lead the congregation in a worship service that brings glory to God.

Acolyte ResponsibilitiesPreparation

First and foremost, you must be baptized to participate as an acolyte.

Good liturgy always requires careful preparation. As an acolyte, you are expected to beprepared and know what to do in whichever position you serve. Most mistakes occurwhen we haven’t taken the time to prepare. Lack of communication, last-minutesubstitutes, late arrival at church, etc., can result in avoidable problems.

Each acolyte is expected to know when they are scheduled to serve. Keep a copy ofthe master schedule we e-mail you every month in an easily visible location (refrigerator, message board, etc.). If you know you’re going to be unable to serve on certain dates, email the Acolyte Master as soon as possible so that you will not be scheduled for those dates.

However, life happens, and if you are unable to serve on a Sunday after the schedulehas been prepared, it is your responsibility to find a substitute. Please make sure thesubstitute is someone who is able to carry out your scheduled duty. Then email or text the Acolyte Master that you have found a substitute, he or she will then let the Priest know.

The service bulletin is prepared on Wednesday morning, and it is a sign of respect to make sure substitutes are duly recognized in the bulletin, so, please let us know before Wednesdays if you have found a substitute to take your place. Of course, illness cannot be scheduled, but, even if you didn’t have the time to call us to let us know of a substitution, it is still your responsibility to find a substitute.

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The night before you acolyte we recommend that you lay out your clothes and shoes so you are not rushing when you get up. Running around, stressing, and arguing with a parent before you arrive at the church does not start the day off in a good way. By preparing the night before you’ll arrive ready to serve and worship the next morning.Finally, get a good night’s sleep. By being well rested you’ll be alert and able to giveyour service your full attention.

On the morning that you serve, acolytes should arrive and be in the vesting room at least fifteen minutes before the service begins. You need to get your vestments on and light the candles. This also allows enough time to receive any additional instructions if there is a change in the service. You’ll want to allow for additional time when it’s a special service – for example Christmas Eve, Easter Vigil, Baptism, etc. So please arrive 30 minutes before the service.

Please come prepared to serve and eat before you serve. It’s not fun to get woozy or pass out in front of everyone. Also, come well-groomed and dressed properly. Make sure your hands, fingernails and face are clean. Hair should be neat. Do not wear jewelry that may catch on any of the worship implements you may handle.

Please do not wear items that have colorful or bold prints that may show through your white vestments. This can be distracting to some in the congregation. We ask that you do not wear flip-flops, because the noise they create can be disturbing to some. If you choose to wear sandals, please make sure they have a strap around the back. Athletic shoes are permitted, but please make sure they are clean (and don’t give off a funky odor). Some may prefer to be serve barefooted or wear socks. If you serve barefoot, feet need to be clean, toenails clipped. Socks need to be plain black or plain white - no patterns or bright colors.

Once you are vested, those assigned should light the candles 10 minutes before theservice (see below). All will gather for a brief prayer once the candles are lit. After theprayer go and retrieve liturgical items such as torches, processional cross and bookand gather at the back of the Nave.

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Vestments

Our vestments are called “Albs”. They are white, hooded, tunics that come in different sizes and shapes. Please arrive early enough to give yourself the time to try on several of the albs before you’re scheduled to serve. Once you have served a few times, this little ritual of vesting becomes easy, but it could be tricky at first to find an alb that fits properly. Too long and you risk stepping on the hem of the robe and falling. Too short and you will look like you are wearing a lady’s dress. So, save yourself some embarrassment and arrive early to find the right fit for you. Make sure the alb you wear is clean and has all its buttons and snaps. If it is in need of laundering or repair please notify the priest or acolyte master and they will get them laundered or repaired. If you take any vestments home to launder or repair them, please bring them back before Sunday and let the Priest know.

The last thing you need to put on is a cross. They are located on a hook inside the vesting cabinet closest to the tower door. Please note, the cross is not a form of entertainment. Please do not spin it, wrap the cord around it, or twirl it. We have different crosses according to the season. Wooden crosses are worn during Advent and Lent. Silver crosses are worn during all other seasons. If you have any questions about which cross to wear, please ask your Acolyte Master or the Priest.

The white rope you wrap around your waist is called a cincture. It is a bit difficult to tie it when you are new. Please have someone show you how to tie it and practice several times until you learn. If you need help, please do not hesitate to ask someone.

After the service, please make sure you hang your robe back up where it belongs; button or snap the top together. Put the cross back on its hanger. If you find a robe on the floor please help to care for the robes and put it back on its hanger as described.

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The Service

Altar Candles

Candles: The candles are lit about 10 minutes before the service starts. There is a traditional manner for lighting and extinguishing the candles that all acolytes should know and follow. Candles remind us that Jesus is the light of the world; they also recall the days of the early Christians when candles and oil lamps were the only sources of light indoors. There will always be at least two candles on the altar in addition to the seven stem candelabra.Please know that on Advent and Lent (you know these seasons because all the colors on the altar are purple) we don’t use the seven stem candelabra. In these seasons, just light the wooden candles on the Altar, the wooden candles on the Lectern, and the Paschal Candle (the big candle by the baptismal fountain).During all other seasons, you will light all the brass candelabra: the 7-stem candelabra, the brass candles on the Altar, the brass candles by the Lectern, and the brass Paschal Candle by the baptismal fountain.

How to light the Candles

As you face the altar from the Nave, the right side is known as the Epistle side and the left as the Gospel side. There are some basic rules to know when lighting and extinguishing candles:

1. Gospel candles never burn alone. What this means is that the Gospel Candle faces the Tabernacle Candle where we keep the Reserved Sacraments. The candle at the Tabernacle burns 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, and it is replaced by the Altar Guild. The Gospel candle (left side), which faces this Tabernacle Candle, is always lit first, and extinguished last.

2. The candles are lit starting from the cross and going out to symbolize that the light of Jesus shines out from the cross. They are extinguished in reverse. A Paschal Candle is used during the 50 days of Easter for any services, including weekday services. It is also lit at all Sunday Eucharists at 10:00am, and at all baptisms and funerals, but not during the 7:30am service or weekday services other than the 50 days of Easter. It is to be lit well before the start of the service. If the Paschal Candle is not lit by the time you are vested, ask the Priest whether you should light it.

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Gospel Side Epistle Side

Paschal candle

3. Advent wreath candles are lit before other candles and extinguished last. The number of wreath candles lit corresponds to the week of Advent. A rose-colored candle represents the third Sunday of Advent. Always light the same candles in the same order from week to week. Use caution when carrying a candle lighter near the altar so that wax or soot does not drop on the linen.

4. Candles are always lit and extinguished by the First Server. In the absence of an experienced First Server, the Second Server lights and extinguishes all candles. Check that the taper in your candle lighter is long enough to do the job. The white taper is visible in the space above the knob used to slide it up and down. The Altar Guild is responsible for replacing al tapers. If it is too short, ask one of them or the Priest for help. Light your candle lighter by using the matches kept on the shelves beside the candle lighter.

5. Walk to the center in front of the altar. Reverence the altar, by bowing, and proceed to the candle nearest the central cross. The light moves out from the cross. To light a candle, hold the flame from your candle lighter at the top of the candle; tip up the back end of your candle lighter to place the flame near the wick.

6. We use oil-based candles for the 7-stem candelabra and real wax candles for the Altar, Lectern, and Paschal candles. The oil based candles light quite easily. Hold the flame in place for a few seconds, and then check whether the candle is lit. The wax candles may take a little longer. Ask for help of taller acolytes if you are having a hard time lighting these. Once you are done with the candles on the right hand side of the Altar (The Epistle Side), return to the center, bow again, and then start with the candles on the left. Start at the end of the Candelabra and end with the candle on the Altar on the Gospel side of the Altar. After you are done lighting all the candles at the Altar, go to the Lectern and light those two candles and the Paschal Candle.

7. After you have lit the Altar, Lectern, and Paschal candles, light the Torches your torch bearers will use. Please practice lighting these torches a few times because it is a bit tricky.

8. Candles are extinguished in the reverse order as they are lit. Extinguish the Paschal Candle, the Lectern Candles, and then the Altar Candles. Altar candles are extinguished last, unless there is an Advent wreath, which is put out last. Use the bell-shaped snuffer on the end of the candle lighter to extinguish a candle. Hold the bell down over the top of the candle until you see smoke escaping, which tells you the candle has gone out. Do not push the snuffer down on top of the candle or you will ruin the wick. Start with the candle closest to the Tabernacle (Left Wall) and move towards the altar, but don’t snuff the Altar Candle yet. Once at the center, bow to the cross and then go to the candle closest to the wall on the right side and snuff each moving closer and closer to the Altar. Once at the Altar, snuff the candle on the right (Epistle Side) first and then the Gospel candle on the left. Remember, this candle is the first lit and the last to be snuffed.

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Candle Lighter & Snuffer

The Opening Procession

Crucifer: When signaled by the Priest during the processional hymn, proceed down the aisle at a slow pace. Go up the steps to the altar and, once in front high altar, pause for a second and then continue to place t he cross in its stand. After this, Go to your assigned seat and prepare to participate actively in worship. The task of the Crucifer belongs to the Second Server. In the absence of a Second Server, it moves to a volunteer Second or First Server.

Torchbearers: Your job during a procession is to stay next to the crucifer, wherever he/she may go, one to the left and one to the right of the Crucifer. Carry your torch with your right hand below and near your waist and your left hand on top near your chin. The torch should be held high enough so that your feet and/or robe do not bump it as you walk. Try to hold your torch at the same height as the other torch bearer. The tallest torch bearer should set the height and the other match it. Walk up the steps to the High Altar, pause for a brief second, and then continue on to place the torch in its stand. After putting your torch in its stand, go to your assigned seat and prepare to actively participate in worship.

Book-bearer: Your job is to process behind the Lay Eucharistic Ministers, right before of the Priest. Go up the steps to the altar do not pause but continue to the Altar and place the book right behind the dressed chalice. After this, return to the base of the step to the High Altar, gently bow, and then proceed to your assigned seat and prepare to participate actively in worship. The task of the Book-Bearer belongs to the First Server. In the absence of an assigned First Server, it moves to a volunteer Second or First Server.

The Gospel Procession

The Book-bearer, Crucifer & Torchbearers are involved in this procession. When the second lesson ends and the Gradual Hymn (the hymn before the Gospel) has began, all four rise and move calmly but efficiently to the Crucifer & torch stands. The First Server comes inside the High Altar and takes the Gospel Book, while the Second server and torch bearers remove the Cross and torches from its stand and take their position at the top of the stairs, facing the Altar.

Crucifer: The Crucifer stands in the center with torches standing side by side. When signaled by the Priest, the crucifer and torches will proceed down the aisle just past the first 4 pews and turn around, facing the Altar.

Torchbearers: Torches should stop just behind the Crucifer and turn in, facing the other torchbearer. Lower your torch to the floor and keep your eyes on it during the reading ofthe Gospel to avoid dumping liquid wax or burning something. Do not look aroundat the congregation during the reading.

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Book-bearer: When the Gospel Procession party forms, pick up the Gospel Book from the front of the altar table and fall in behind the torch bearers. When the Crucifer leads the procession down the aisle, walk 1-2 paces behind the torchbearers Hold the book over your head with both hands, When the Crucifer and Torchbearers stop and turn back toward the altar, stop and turn toward the altar, standing in the center of the aisle between the torch bearers but far enough away to avoid any danger of being burned by torch flames. Hold the Gospel book for the reader of the Gospel. The Reader will probably position the book so it can be read easily. You hold whatever position they guide you to, holding the book as steady as you can. You may want to reposition your feet if necessary.

After the Gospel has been read, the book-bearer and the Gospel reader will step to the side to let the torches and crucifer pass through. The Book-bearer will then process behind them, followed by the Gospel reader. The Crucifer, torches, and Book-bearer follow the same instructions as the entrance procession and return to their seats after placing the torches, crucifer, and book on their designated locations.

During the Holy Eucharist

Both the First Server and the Second Server are involved in assisting the Priest during the Holy Eucharist. Right after the offertory, the Priest will invite you to line in front of the High Altar and bow. At this point, the First Server will take your position by the Credence Table. The Second Server will come down the choir area to the top of the steps leading to the nave and will receive the Wine and Bread from the Ushers. You will then turn around and walk towards the Altar. Once you hand over the elements to the Priest, you take your station on the Gospel side by the bells. The First Server then will help the

Priest set the Altar by passing hm or her any additional bread and wine desired, passing the water, and washing the priest’s hands at the designated time.

During the consecration prayer the Second Server will ring the bell twice at the elevation of the bread, twice at the elevation of the chalice, and three times at the elevation of both the bread and wine. Be careful placing the bells back on the ground as they can make a loud sound that is very distracting. Be gentle as you pick up and place bells back down.

During communion the First Server will hold the cruet of wine and will refill the chalice of both Eucharistic Ministers when they run out. Please be careful not to spill the Holy Wine while performing this duty. When communion is over, please deposit the Holy Wine gently back on the Altar and help the priest clean the Altar by passing the priest the water and then placing all cleaned utensils back on the Credence Table.

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The Closing Procession

Torchbearers: After the Priest gives a final blessing, rise from your seat and proceedto the torch stands to retrieve your torches. Stand on each side of the Crucifer. Waitfor the Crucifer to start moving, and then follow the Crucifer as in the opening andGospel processions. Follow the Crucifer all the way to the doors at the back of thenave; remain in place through the end of the hymn. After the dismissal put out yourtorch and then return it to its stand.Crucifer: After the Priest gives the final blessing, rise from your seat and move toretrieve your cross. Move to the top of the stars near the table altar, the same way youdid for the Gospel procession. Leave room for the Torchbearers to get into positionbeside you. Watch for the Priest to give you your signal to start processing calmly down the aisle. Remain standing with the Cross at the back doors until the final hymn is finished and the Dismissal has been given. Then return the Cross to its stand.

Book-bearer/First Server: Do not process out with the book. Wait until the Crucifer and torches march out, the choir will follow, and then the Eucharistic Ministers. At this point, the Priest will give you a signal and you will exit the High Altar, face the Altar and bow, and then process to where the snuffers are located. Start snuffing all the candles beginning with the Paschal Candle, the Lectern Candles, and then the Altar Candles in the order explained above. After the Dismissal, return to the tower to undress.

High Feasts

We often have four torches during high feasts. When this is the case, we will have two torches accompany the Crucifer and two torches accompany the Book-bearer. The Book-

bearer torches do not participate in the Gospel procession, and march by themselves side by side in front of the Priest for the Closing Procession.

It is customary to use incense at High Feasts. The order of acolytes does not change, the only difference is that the cross follows the Thurifer (Incense holder). Just follow the incense whatever it goes. When in doubt, ask questions.

Final Comments

Thank you very much for your service. You make our beautiful liturgy possible. Being an acolyte is an important job in the church and you will never forget the many wonderful memories of serving at God’s Altar. You should be proud of the work you do because you are serving the Lord and his people in a very special way.

Prayer for Acolytes

Dear Lord, we give you thanks for the ministry of our acolytes. Bless them as they prepare for their service and as they work in their respective ministries. Be with their parents and families and fill their hearts with love for you and your church. In Jesus name we pray, Amen!

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