WELCOME

I am pleased to welcome you as an Acolyte in one of the most famous churches in America.  I hope that your service will provide you with a sense of spiritual meaning and fulfillment.  You will make new friends, meet new people and through your commitment, you are a member of a worldwide Acolyte community.

I hope this manual will provide a quick reference for you as you begin your service and throughout your journey.  If you have any questions or problems, please do not hesitate to contact Acolyte Master Jay Lipscomb.  He is ready and eager to assist you.

On behalf of the clergy and parish, thank you for your service in this very important position.

In Christ, 

Herman Hollerith

Rector

BACKGROUND

DID YOU KNOW?

The word ”acolyte” comes from the Greek word “akolouthos” which means a servant or attendant who waits on another.

The Acolyte ministry originated from Old Testament times.  The Scriptures tell us of the prophet Samuel assisting Eli the priest and of Eli being assisted by Elisha.

The New Testament illustrates early Christian adoption of this custom, which has been carried forward to the present day.  The Acolyte assists priests and deacons so that worshipers may celebrate the Holy Eucharist and other rites of the Church with simple dignity.  In fact, the Book of Common Prayer states, “At all celebrations of the Liturgy, it is fitting that the principal celebrant...be assisted by other priests, and by deacons and lay persons.”

When serving, you are actively assisting the celebrant in the worship of God.  It is a very important role, and should be approached with reverence, humility and care.

SOME THINGS TO REMEMBER

WHEN SERVING, PLEASE REMEMBER THE THREE P’s

Punctuality is Important.  When you are on time, everything flows more smoothly. 

Pay Attention.  Be aware of where you are in the service so that you will be prepared.

Participate.  Many parishioners will look to you for guidance and direction.  Take an active part in the worship service and assist younger Acolytes follow the service.

LOOKING GOOD!

A few simple points to remember:

·        Guys should wear dark socks and shoes (please, no running shoes, athletic shoes or sandals).  

·        Girls should similarly wear appropriate socks or stockings and shoes (please, no spike heels or sandals).  

·        Hair should be neatly done, regardless of length or style.

A FEW FINAL WORDS BEFORE WE GET STARTED

You will soon find that by being prompt and alert, you will have no problems.  Learn to stay on top of things and anticipate any last minute changes.  Take a few moments before the service and familiarize yourself with the service bulletin.  And most of all, have fun.

GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS

ARRIVING AND VESTING  

When you are scheduled to serve, please arrive at the church at least 25 minutes before the service begins.  Go to the basement and check in with your team captain.  Select a robe that comes to your ankles.  Acolyte robes will be marked with a number, “1” through “7”, according to your height.  Reference the chart if you are unsure which size is best.

Select a rope belt, also known as a “cincture”, and tie it with the knot on your right.  When the service is over, please hang up your vestment again with the same sized robes.  It helps to keep the robe on the hanger if you button the top buttons. 

The team captain will assign responsibilities for crucifer, torchbearers, and candle lighter prior to the service.  The acolyte who lights the candles at the beginning of the service will also be the plate handler during the offertory and the book bearer for the Gospel reading during Eucharistic services.  The candle lighter is usually assigned to an Acolyte who has participated in many services as a torchbearer and is familiar enough with the order of the service to undertake these responsibilities.  Likewise, the crucifer is usually the team captain but may be assigned to another senior member of the team. 

LIGHTING CANDLES

After entering the Sanctuary through the Sacristy doors, reverence the altar; light the candle on the Epistle side of the altar (i.e. the right side), then the Gospel side (left).  Following the final blessing at the end of the service when the music for the recessional hymn begins, candles are extinguished in reverse order.  DO NOT HESITATE.  The candle on the Gospel side is extinguished first followed by the candle on the Epistle side of the altar.  Be careful not to drip wax onto the altar linens. The snuffers are found on the plate table near the left Sacristy door.

From the Easter Vigil service through Pentecost Sunday (50 days after Easter), a special Easter or ”Paschal” candle (from the Hebrew word for Passover - pasch) is burned during each service on Sunday.  This candle stands in the Rector’s pew, and should be lighted before and extinguished after each service.

PROCESSING AND RECESSING

Acolytes should assemble in the tower at least five minutes before the service is scheduled to begin.  When you arrive, ask for a service bulletin from one of the ushers and place it in your robe pocket.  Please use it to follow along and participate (one of the three P’s) during the service. 

  The crucifer obtains the cross from the closet and walks to the entrance of the church and stands in the tower away from the doorway with the torchbearers.  Please do not sit on the benches.

  Torchbearers should check their candles and caps, making sure they are secure and properly seated.  Light the candles and stand on either side of the crucifer.

  The Acolytes lead the procession into the church when the singing of the processional hymn begins.  Once past the rear gallery, the crucifer should hold the cross high in the air and straight.  The top of the cross should be approximately three feet above the top of the crucifier’s head.

  Torchbearers should make certain that their torches are each held at the same height but lower than the cross.  Torchbearers walk beside the crucifer, not behind or in front.  The pace of the procession should be slow, steady and dignified, taking about one normal-sized step per second.  Try to walk in step with each other in a steady and controlled manner.

  The Acolytes proceed directly to the altar rail and stop facing the altar and holding the cross and torches at the same height as they were through the procession.  At the end of the hymn, the Acolytes disperse immediately, the left torchbearer and Crucifer to the left and the right torchbearer to the right, placing the cross and torches in the appropriate holders.

  The cross is placed in the last wall mounting near the Sacristy door to the left of the altar.  Tapers go in the brass mountings next to the Acolyte seats near the choir and organ pews.

  At the conclusion of the service, after the final blessing, the Acolyte who lit the candles at the beginning of the service extinguishes the altar candles as the final hymn begins.  A snuffer is on the plate table near the left Sacristy door.  As the candles are being extinguished, the crucifer and torchbearers get their cross and tapers, and on the signal from the crucifer, all proceed at the same time to the altar, assuming the same places as when entering at the beginning of the service.

  At the signal from the priest at the altar, all turn, torchbearers turning outward, and proceed toward the rear gallery.

  Acolytes should pause approximately 5 seconds at the crossing so the choir has time to assemble behind them (don’t be afraid to count to five slowly during the pause - the procession will look better in the long run).  Then continue toward the tower at the same pace as entering the church.  The crucifer should take care that the cross doesn’t hit the low chandelier near the tower door.  Once inside the tower, tapers are put out, wax is emptied into the container outside of the tower door and returned to the closet, as is the cross.

GOSPEL PROCESSION

At the beginning of the Sequence Hymn for the gospel, the crucifer and torchbearers will move to the center of the altar as they do for the Recessional – DO NOT HESITATE TO GET INTO POSITION.  Leave enough room - perhaps a step back - so that the book bearer can pass in front to get the altar book.  The book bearer turns and faces the crucifer and waits for the priest to signal when to begin the procession.  The book bearer nods to instruct the crucifer to proceed.

  The book should be held with reverence.  It should be upright at chest height with the cross on the cover facing out.  The acolytes should turn and proceed down the aisle with the book bearer following.  The Gospeller (the priest who reads the Gospel) will leave the Rector’s pew to join the procession as it passes. 

  The order of the Gospel processions is as follows:

'Torchbearer  †Crucifer  'Torchbearer

&Bookbearer

WGospeller

At the aisle crossing, the torchbearers will stop in the center of the side aisles and turn in to face each other.  The crucifer will go about two steps beyond, then turn to face the altar.  The book bearer will stop between the torches and open the book.  The book should be held high for the Gospeller to arrange.  The Gospeller will turn the pages to the appropriate reading.

  The positions look like this:  

†Crucifer

'Torchbearer &Bookbearer 'Torchbearer

WGospeller

After the Gospel reading, the book bearer and Gospeller will step aside as the crucifer and torchbearers go by.  The Gospeller will return to the Rector’s pew.

Upon reaching the altar, the crucifer and torchbearers stop then immediately disperse. The book bearer proceeds to the altar and returns the book remembering to reverence the altar upon leaving the sanctuary.

OFFERTORY

After the priest reads the offertory sentence, the Acolyte immediately proceeds to the table near the left Sacristy door and retrieves the four top offering plates firmly from the credence table.  Proceed immediately to meet the ushers at the “black step”.  DO NOT HESITATE TO GET INTO POSITION.  Distribute the plates beginning from your left to right using your thumb to lift the top plate.  After all of the plates have been distributed, turn, reverence the altar then take your seat.  Acolytes who are choir members are encouraged to join in the offertory hymn.

As soon as the hymn has ended, the organist plays a modulation and the congregation will stand.  Immediately go to the credence table and retrieve the large collection plate, and meet the ushers at the black step.

Receive the plates from right to left, holding them firmly.  If ushers are out of sequence, collect the largest plates first, then the smaller ones.  If the tower balcony plate (a small plate usually nestled inside a larger plate) comes forward with the ushers, collect it last.  After all of the plates have been collected, hand them to the priest at the altar.  Your hands should be on the plate at the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock position.  The priest will receive the plates at the 12 o’clock and the 6 o’clock position.  Proceed to the left side of the altar next to the credence table.  After the offering is blessed, the plates will be returned to you.  Take the plates from the Priest with your hands at the 12 and 6 o’clock position.  Return the plates to the credence table.

REMEMBER:  Give plates with your hands at the 9 and 3 o’clock position.  Take plates with your hands at the 12 and 6 o’clock position.
ALTAR SERVER

When the offertory plates are handed to the ushers and the clergy have entered the sanctuary, the team captain will immediately rise and stand by the credence table near the Sacristy door.  Be attentive and listen for what the priest may need to prepare Communion.  Please note the diagram below:

Credence Table

You will start from the right side of the table and begin handing items to the priest as directed.  These items include:  

V    Home communion kit(s) (if any - these look like small baskets)

V    Bread box (rectangular) – take the lid off first and place it on the table

V    Wine and water cruets (small pair)

V    Any other wine cruets or flagons (NOT the Reserved Sacrament) 

Pass each of these items in turn to the priest or chalice-bearer inside the Sanctuary rail.  You will need to make several trips but be as efficient as possible.  After the home communion kits and the bread are passed, then comes the water and the wine.

There are often several different cruets placed on the credence table.  Pick up and pass the cruets with the handle facing the priest.  When the priest motions or nods that all is ready, you may leave the table and return to your seat but be alert and attentive to the needs of the clergy.

At the words of invitation (“The gifts of God for the people of God…”), return to the credence table.  If the Reserved Sacrament has been covered with a linen veil, remove it and place it neatly aside.  Quickly and efficiently, pass the extra chalices to the altar.  Wait and see if the Reserved Sacrament is called for.  The chalice-bearers may carry some of these items directly into the Sanctuary; you will hand whatever is left to them across the rail.  Be alert and responsive to their needs!

After Communion when the chalice bearers have left the sanctuary, immediately return to the credence table to see if you are needed to help with the ”ablutions” (clean-up).  As items are passed to you, place them on the credence table in the same order per the diagram above (there is also a diagram on the table).  After this is finished, return to your seat.

A FLAG BEARER is used only during worship that occurs on National Holidays.  This person brings the American flag to the “black step” of the chancel, to present it, usually during the singing of one of the hymns appointed for a national observance.  Instructions on this are given in advance of the service itself.  On rare occasions, the flag bearer may carry flags during a procession.

A VERGER acts as the head of a procession and a director of “traffic” during certain special days when our pattern of worship is more complicated.  Directions are usually specific to the day.  The Verger carries the ceremonial mace or staff, and wears a red cassock and white cotta.  

A THURIFER is the one who carries the incense on certain special feast days. The censer or “thurible” is used to burn the incense, which is gums and resins from certain trees, small pieces of certain woods, and even spices.  It was common Old Testament and early Christian practice to have incense regularly during worship.  The thurifer always has an assistant to carry the incense, who is usually a younger boy or girl who is not yet an Acolyte. Again the directions for this are more technical and specific to the service, and are done on a one-to-one basis.

THE ADVENT WREATH

During the four (4) Sundays of Advent, a special herb wreath is placed on a large candle stand in the Rector’s pew.  In a circle are four (4) large purple candles, one for each Sunday before Christmas.  A candle should be lighted each week, always beginning with the ones that have already been burned in the previous weeks.  Between Christmas (December 25) and Epiphany (January 6), white candles replace the Advent candles, and all are lighted when present.

THE PASCHAL CANDLE

From the Eater Vigil service through the Day of Pentecost (50 days after Easter), a special Easter or “Paschal” candle (from the Hebrew word for “Passover”, pasch) is burned during every service.  This candle stands in the Rector’s Pew and should be lighted before the altar candles and extinguished after each service; if it is not extinguished, it will not last the full 7 weeks it must be used.  The Paschal candle is also used for baptisms and funerals, when it may stand in a different place.

THE GREAT VIGIL OF EASTER

Reference:  The order of the service can be found on page 285 of the Prayer Book

• Call all team members and ask them to arrive at the church no later than 4:30 p.m.  Note: There must be 4 acolytes at this service.
• Find one of the clergy before the service – they will be instructing the families participating in the baptism in the church beginning at 4:00 p.m. - do not interrupt their instruction to these families.  Ask if there are any special instructions in addition to these.
• Do not light the altar candles or any other candles in the church before the service begins – this will occur later in the service.
• Make sure the Offertory Plates are on the Credence Table.
• Make sure that a working taper is next to the Credence Table to put out the altar candles at the end of the service and to light the altar candles at the appropriate time in the service – ask Reverend Douglas if she wants you to light the altar candles when that time comes.  If not, remind her that a taper is available next to the Credence Table for this purpose.  The taper must be lit from the Paschal Candle, which in turn will be used to light the altar candles.
• Review these instructions with your team members and assign duties for the service.
• The service begins in the churchyard.  Take a taper with you and assemble your team outside of the tower door no later than 5:15 p.m.
• Get the cross and the torches from the closet but do not light the torches – this will occur later in the service.
• The service begins with the lighting of the Paschal Candle.  The Celebrant will light the Candle with the taper (that you provided) from a “newly kindled” fire that the clergy will prepare.
• The Celebrant will lead the procession into the church carrying the Paschal Candle followed by the Crucifer, torchbearers, choir and the rest of the congregation and clergy.  The fourth acolyte will take his or her place at the end of the procession.
• The procession will pause three times during the procession before reaching the altar – be alert.
• When you reach the altar, count to ten then immediately disburse, placing the cross and torches in their respective holders and taking your seat.
• The altar candles are lit at this time – again, check with Reverend Douglas before the service to determine who will light the altar candles.
• From this point forward, it should be a fairly routine Holy Baptism and Eucharistic Service – there will be a Gospel Procession (get into position immediately and have the book bearer wait for the signal to process from the priest), Offertory (get into position immediately – do not wait for the ushers), Eucharistic Server (get into position next to the Credence Table as soon as the Offertory begins) and Recession.
• Please review the updated instructions to the Acolyte Manual that were mailed last week.  Please note that there is a new procedure for receiving the Offertory Plates from the priest at the altar after the blessing.  Also, please review the Server instructions.
• This is an important service.  Thanks for your help and have fun.

TEAM CAPTAIN CHECKLIST

V     Call team members no later than the Thursday before the service to remind them that they are scheduled to serve.

o       If someone cannot serve on the appointed day, make sure that they have found a replacement and that you know who it is.  Call the replacement to make sure he or she will be attending as scheduled.

o       If you cannot reach one of your team members, find a substitute – it is better to have too many Acolytes show up than not enough.

o       If you cannot serve, call another team captain to take your place.  Decide who will call team members to remind them.

V     Arrive at least 30 minutes before the service begins.

V     Make sure your team is properly robed.

V     Wear you nametag on the outside of your robe.  Assist other members of your team with their nametags.  If a member of your team does not have a nametag, please make a note on the Acolyte Log.

V     Assign duties. 

V     Candles should be lit 20 minutes before the service begins.

V     Check that all offertory plates are accounted for and in position.

V     Make sure that prayer books and hymnals are in the holders next to the acolyte chairs – at least one set to be shared by two Acolytes.

V     If a team member does not show up at least 10 minutes before the service begins, find an Acolyte in the Church and ask if he or she will serve.  EACH EUCHARIST SERVICE REQUIRES AT LEAST 4 ACOLYTES – MORNING PRAYER NEEDS ONLY 3.

V     Assemble your team and proceed to the Tower at least 5 minutes before the service.

V     Make sure each member of your team has a service bulletin and it is placed in his or her robe pocket.

V     Assist in retrieving the candles and cross from the cabinet.

V     Stand clear of the door to allow parishioners to enter the church until the Processional Hymn begins, then get into place.

V     Begin the Procession when the Choir begins to sing.

V     Be aware of what is going on during the service at all times.  Quietly remind members of your team if they forget a task during the service.

V     Don’t’ forget to worship God – that’s why we are here.

V     At the conclusion of the service, make sure the cross and two torches are returned to their place in the cabinet.

V     Make sure that all robes are properly hung with the top buttons buttoned. 

V     Assist younger Acolytes.

V     HAVE FUN AND ENJOY YOURSELF!

ACOLYTE CHECKLIST

V     If you cannot serve, you are responsible to find a replacement. 

o       Call your Team Captain with the name of your replacement.

o       If you are having a hard time finding a substitute, ask your Team Captain for assistance.

V     Arrive at least 25 minutes before the service begins.

V     Get your assignment from your Team Captain.

V     Be alert and participate in the service.

V     HAVE FUN AND ENJOY YOURSELF!

REFERENCES AND RESOURCES

ACOLYTE WEB SITES

Bruton Parish Church Acolyte Resource Site

http://www.brutonparish.org/acolyte.htm

Order of Saint Vincent

http://www.orderstvincent.org/index.html

Episcopal Diocese of Washington Acolyte Festival

http://www.us.net/edow/events/acolytes/

OTHER WEB SITES

The Episcopal Church

http://www.ecusa.anglican.org/

The Washington National Cathedral

http://www.cathedral.org/cathedral/

The Young Episcopalian

http://www.youngepiscopalian.org/

BOOKS AND PUBLICATIONS

The Book of Common Prayer
Every warden and everyone who is involved in ministry of the sanctuary should have their own copy of the BCP to use on a daily basis, study, or mark-up at will. They are available in many sizes, styles, and quality. Your parish might even have some "well worn" copies in storage that are no longer suitable for the congregation's use but could still have value as "working copies." Why not put them to use?

A Manual for Acolytes  95 p. illustrated (ISBN 0-8192-1272-5)
Dennis Michno
Morehouse Publishing, Harrisburg, PA
Probably considered the "standard" instructional text for acolytes and acolyte wardens

You Are an Acolyte 32 p. illustrated
Forward Movement Publications
Cincinnati, OH
A wonderful little primer and a great giveaway for about $1.30 each

Serving Basics (for acolytes and other lay sanctuary ministers) 48 p. illustrated
The International Order of St. Vincent
5940 9th Ave. S. Gulfport, FL 33707
Soon to be released general manual for all servants of the sanctuary. Issued to all OSV members.

Servers and Services 127 p. illustrated (ISBN 0-919891-41-1)
Greg S. Dunn
Anglican Book Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
An excellent book...although Canadian Anglican, solid on liturgy, well explained and illustrated

The New Complete Server 57 p. illustrated (ISBN 0-8192-1649-6)
Rev. Christopher Heller
Morehouse Publishing, Harrisburg, PA
A nice, moderate sized primer. It'll get acolytes going with basic information and procedures

St. Stephan's Handbook for Altar Servers 64 p. illustrated (ISBN 0-85244-277-7)
Edward Matthews
Morehouse Publishing, Harrisburg, PA
Another little primer that's worth looking at. A little bit Roman with a few Papal references.

Book of Occasional Services 268 p.
The Church Publishing Corp., New York, NY
An official Episcopal Church "how to"manual

The Prayer Book Rubrics EXPANDED 235 P.
Bryon D. Stuhlman
The Church Publishing Corp.

Commentary on the American Prayer Book 675 p. (ISBN 0-06-063554-1)
Marion J. Hatchett
Harper Collins, San Francisco, CA
Explanations of the changes, text, and structure of the new Prayer Book

The Ceremonies of the Eucharist 240 p. (ISBN 0-936384-83-2)
Howard E. Galley
Cowley Publications, Cambridge, MA

The Liturgy Explained 48 p., a few rudimentary drawings
Thomas Howard
Morehouse Publishing, Harrisburg, PA
An excellent book for youngsters and newcomers to the church

Understanding the Mass 223 p. (ISBN 0-225-66672-3)
J. D. Crichton
Geoffrey Chapman Distributor, New York, NY

Lent, Holy Week, Easter, and the Great Fifty Days (A Ceremonial Guide) 127 p
(ISBN 1-56101-134-7) Leonel L. Mitchell;
Cowley Publications, Cambridge, MA
Acolyte wardens, vergers and Mcs should have this excellent reference book

The Shape of the Liturgy 764 p.
Dom Gregory Dix (an Anglican Benedictine monk and liturgical scholar)A. C. Black Publishing, London (available through the Anglican Book Centre, Toronto, or the book store at most seminaries). This is the most definitive and respected work on the history and makeup of the Eucharist (Mass).

The Ritual Reason Why 239 p.
Charles Walker
A. R. Mobray & Co. Ltd, London, England
This is a very rare book. It is only found through rare-book services such as Anglican Bibliopole.

Ritual Notes 251 p.
E. C. R. Lamburn
The International Anglican Fellowship
5712 Pommel Ct.
West Des Moines, IA 50266
A classic and pre-`70s authority of traditional (high church) liturgical detail

A Priest's Handbook 303 p. (ISBN0-8192-1390-X)
Dennis G. Michno
Morehouse Publishing, Harrisburg, PA
A wonderful guide to the most common services

A New Dictionary for Episcopalians 180 p. illustrated (ISBN 0-86683-787-6)
John N. Wall, Jr.
Harper Collins Publishers, San Francisco, CA
If you only have one glossary, this should be it.

Church Words (origins and meanings) 125p (ISBN 0-88028-172-3)
Stephan E. Moore
Forward Movement Publications, Cincinnati, OH

Catholic Customs & Traditions 214 p. (ISBN 0-89622-432-5)
Greg Dues
Twenty Third Publications, Mystic, CT
For anyone questioning why we do things
A Manual for Lay Eucharistic Ministers 92p. (ISBN 0-8192-1573-2)
Beth Wickenberg Ely
Morehouse Publishing, Harrisburg, PA
The "Bible" for L.E.M. 2s. A must have!

Your Voice, God's Word (Reading the Bible in Church) 56 p. (ISBN 0-8192-1438-8)
William Sydnor
Morehouse Publishing, Harrisburg, PA
Every Lay Reader/Lector should read this book over and over.

The Church Perspective (Standard Lay Reader's Training Course) (ISBN 0-8192-1210-5)
Edmund B. Partridge
Morehouse-Barlow Co., Wilton, CT

Our Christian Symbols 86 p. illustrated (ISBN 0-8298-0099-9)
Friedrich Rest
The Pilgrim Press, New York, NY

Saints, Signs, and Symbols 96 p. illustrated (ISBN 0-8192-1171-0)
W. Ellwood Post
Morehouse Publishing, Harrisburg, PA

A Working Manual for Altar Guilds 80 p. Illustrated (ISBN 0-8192-1455-8)
Dorothy C. Diggs
Morehouse Publishing, Harrisburg, PA

The New Altar Guild Book 118 p., illustrated (ISBN 0-8192-1657-7)
Barbara Gent and Betty Sturges
Morehouse Publications, Harrisburg, PA

The Complete Training Course for ALTAR GUILDS 180 p. illustrated (ISBN 0-8192-1593-7)
B. Don Taylor
Morehouse Publishing, Harrisburg, PA

An Altar Guild Manual 72 p. (ISBN 0-8192-1067-6)
Edith Weir Perry
Morehouse Publishing, Harrisburg, PA  

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