Holy Trinity Episcopal Church

Acolyte Handbook
September 2008

WELCOME

I am pleased to welcome you as an Acolyte in one of the most beautiful churches in

Covina. 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 one of the Acolyte Mentors as they are 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,

Mother Judy
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.

EXPECTATIONS

Please arrive 20 minutes before the service. If you are unable to serve when you are
scheduled, PLEASE arrange with another acolyte to substitute for you and then call the
Church Office at 626-967-3939 so the bulletin can be updated. Also contact one of the
Acolyte Mentors to report who will be taking your place.

MENTORS

Debbie Carrico 909-525-0782

Jim Sanderson 626-331-0274

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 INTRODUCTION

As an acolyte you are a minister and a leader of the worshiping community. It is your role
to show the joy and reverence of worship. You are not here to attract attention to your
self, but to give glory and praise to God.

Basic guidelines for all worship ministers:

• Participate in ALL of worship -- you are a model leading the congregation: Be

attentive. Say the prayers and sing the hymns.
• Put yourself in background: Keep your focus and attention on God not self. Don't
get between people and God. Minimize distractions: no gum chewing, no flashy
jewelry, no fidgeting or distracting gestures with hands, face, or posture.
• Keep it simple: Every action has a necessary function.
• Position yourself for a balanced picture: even spacing, graceful movements, like a
dance.
• Do things naturally, not like in a parade or a magic show. Move naturally and
directly from one place to another. Don't move backwards. Save your private
devotions for private times.
• Don't rush:
• When mistakes happen (and they will), don't panic: Continue with grace or repeat
as required. If "lost," look to the priest for direction.
• Follow the lead of the priest. Turn to him/her for directions.
• Remember God loves you and all the gathered people.

SOME THINGS TO REMEMBER

When serving, please remember the three P’s:

Punctuality – it is important to be on time as everything flows more smoothly

when you aren’t rushed.

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 each other

Looking Good!
Always dress neat and comfortably; hair should be neat regardless of length or style.

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. But most of all have fun.

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 ACOLTYE ROLES

• Altar Server – attends to the priests needs during the table preparation at the time
of Eucharist. Usually the First Crucifer.
• Book Bearer – carries the Altar Book during the Gospel procession. Usually the
Second Crucifer.
• Boat Bearer – carries the container of incense for the Thurifer.
• Candle Lighters – Torch Bearers who light the altar candles before the service and
snuff them out at the end of the service.
• First Crucifer – carries the cross at the front of the procession.
• Flag Bearer – carries the American flag during patriotic services or carries the
Holy Trinity Banner during special services.
• Second Crucifer – carries the cross at the back of the procession.
• Master of Ceremonies – old, useless acolyte, like Jim.
• Thurifer – lights and carries the incense in the thurable during special services.
• Torch Bearers – carry the torches along side the First Crucifer.
• Verger – present at special service, the Verger leads the procession, recession, and
the Gospel procession. The verger also walks the lector to and from their pew to
the podium as well as leading the ushers during the Offertory.

ACOLYTE VESTMENTS
Robes
Albs
Cassocks
Cotta
Cincture

SERVICE ORDER

Acolytes participate in the following parts of the service:

• Processional
• Gospel Reading
• Offertory
• Eucharist
• Recessional

Details are described below.

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 BEFORE THE SERVICE

1. Arrive at least 20 minutes before the service will start and ask the Master of
Ceremonies as to which Acolyte role you will be fulfilling.

2. If you need to, use the bathroom before you vest. Find your vestments. Robe quietly
and reverently. Use the mirror to make sure you are put together neatly.

3. Check the candle lighter to make sure that there is enough taper and something to light
it with. (Matches or lighter)

4. Check to make sure the offering plates and the altar book are where they should be for
you to get them when the time comes. If they aren't where they should be, ask the person
doing altar guild where they are.

6. Light the candle lighter and then light the candles. Remember to reverence the altar.
Do not hurry, walk quietly and reverently while lighting the candles.

7. Put the candle lighter out and return it to the rack.

8. Take a moment to say a simple prayer about your acolyte ministry, for example:

Dear God, please be with me as I serve as a minister at your altar today. Please help me
to remember that I am your servant and I pray that my ministry be pleasing to you. Amen.

9. Get the Cross or torch and gather at the back of the church with the priest to prepare
for the processional.

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 DURING THE SERVICE

1. Follow along in your prayer book so that you know what is going on.

2. Use your hymnal and sing all the songs when they are sung.

3. Stand, sit and kneel when the congregation is supposed to. Watch the priest or the
Master of Ceremonies if you are unsure. The only time that you will not be doing what
the priest is doing is when you are kneeling for the absolution after the confession and at
the post communion prayer you remain kneeling if the priest is standing.

4. When praying, please fold your hands at your waist when standing or kneeling. Say the
prayers with the congregation.

5. Do not squirm around when sitting or sway back and forth when standing.

6. During the homily/sermon, you may go sit in the front pew to listen or you may remain
in your usual seat. Sit still, rest your hands in your lap and listen to what the preacher is
saying.

7. After you have received communion, return to your seat and wait quietly until
communion is over. Do not stare at the people receiving communion. If you are the Altar
Server, remain standing by the credence table and pay attention to when the priest returns
to the altar so that you can help with the clean-up.

8. When the music for closing hymn starts, Torch Bearers go get the candle lighters so
that they can put out the candles. If there is no hymn, watch the priest for when to put the
candles out. If you are not sure of the order, check with the Master of Ceremonies. Put
the candles out reverently and reverence the altar before you leave. If there is a paschal
candle, wait to put it out until after everyone has left.

9. At the recessional, turn and reverence the altar as you leave. Acolytes carrying the
cross or torches do not bow, but pause to reverence the altar. Walk reverently out of the
church, keeping even spacing (3-4 feet in smaller churches, about two pews in larger
churches) between you and the person in front of you.

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 DURING THE OFFERTORY AND EUCHARIST

1. Reverence the altar when you walk in front of it, usually this is just once at the
beginning and once at the end of each task.

2. At the Passing of the Peace, you may go exchange the peace with the congregation.
You don't have to exchange the peace with everyone, but do not just stand at your seat
during the peace.

3. Return to your seat for announcements.

4. When the priest finishes the announcements, the Acolyte on the left side of the altar
gets the offering plates and waits. The Acolyte on the right side stands ready.

5. Allow the priest to enter the Sanctuary, then both acolytes move to the top of the stairs
to await the ushers bringing the gifts. The Acolyte on the right receives the gifts from the
ushers, then the Acolyte on the left hands the ushers the offering plates. (See Offertory
section below)

6. The Acolytes return to the Sanctuary and hand the gifts to the priest, then return to
their original position. (See Offertory section below).

7. The Altar Server holds the bowl in the left hand with the towel draped over that arm.
The priest will direct the activity which will include asking for the water cruet, returning
the bread container, returning the water cruet so water can be poured over the priest's
fingers. When complete, return the bowl, water cruet and towel neatly to the credence
table. Pay close attention to the priest during this time. (See Altar Server section below).

8. After the Offertory hymn has completed, the Acolyte on the left of the altar moves to
the edge of the Sanctuary and awaits the ushers bringing the offering plates. After the
plates have been received, the Acolyte turns and gives the plates to the priest.

9. When you take communion, remember to place your hands in a reverent position, right
hand resting in the left, up by your chest - not down by your waist.

10. After you receive communion, return to your seat and wait quietly. If you are the
Altar Server, stand ready, with your hands folded at the waist, to assist the priest or
LEMs as needed.

11. After the Eucharist, the priest will clean up the altar and will interact with the Acolyte
serving as Altar Server by requesting the water cruet, returning the bread container, wine
cruet, first and second chalice, paten, etc. Take everything the priest gives you and place
it neatly on the credence table.

12. Return to your seat.

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 AFTER THE SERVICE

1. Hang up your alb or cassock and cotta carefully and neatly.

2. Go to the seat where you were sitting and straighten it up. Stack the Prayer books and
Hymnals neatly together and remove the service bulletins so that everything is neat.

3. Now would be a good time for saying a quick prayer to thank God for the opportunity
to serve at the altar and to be involved in the ministry of the church. For example:

Dear God, thank you for being with me as I served in my ministry as an acolyte today for
the good of your church. Amen.

Thank you for you ministry.

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 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).

Light the candles from the top down; extinguish the candles from the bottom up.

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.

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 should be lighted before and extinguished after each
service.

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 PROCESSING AND RECESSING

Acolytes should assemble at the back of the church 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 chancel and walks to the entrance of the church
and stands with the torchbearers. Please do not sit on the baptistery steps.

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 last pew, 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 slightly behind the crucifer. 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. After a brief
pause, 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.

At the conclusion of the service, after the final blessing, the Acolytes who lit the candles
at the beginning of the service extinguishes the altar candles as the final hymn begins. As
the candles are being extinguished, the crucifer and torchbearers get their cross and
tapers, and 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 or the Master of Ceremonies, all turn,
torchbearers turning outward, and proceed toward the back of the church.

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 back of the church
at the same pace as entering the church. At the back of the church, tapers are put out, wax
is emptied into the container outside of the tower door and returned to the chancel, as is
the cross.

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 GOSPEL PROCESSION

At the beginning of the Sequence Hymn for the gospel, the crucifer and torchbearers will
look to the priest or Acolyte Director for a signal to 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 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:

Sanctuary /
Altar

Gospeller
Bookbearer
Torchbearer
Crucifer Torchbearer

Congregation / Pews Congregation / Pews

After processing five pews into the congregation, 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.

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.

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 OFFERTORY

After the priest reads the offertory sentence (“Walk in love…”), the Acolyte immediately
retrieves the two offering plates from the credence table. Proceed immediately to meet
the ushers at the top of the stairs. 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 the plates have been distributed and the gifts received, turn, reverence the
altar then take your seat.

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

Receive the plates from right to left, holding them firmly. After 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. 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.

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 ALTAR SERVER

When the offertory plates are handed to the ushers and the clergy have entered the
sanctuary, the acolyte serving as altar server will bring the elements to the priest then
immediately go and stand by the credence table. Be attentive and listen for what the priest
may need to prepare Communion.

The items you will be working with are:

• Lavabo bowl
• Lavabo towel
• Water cruet
• Second chalice

Place the lavabo towel over your left wrist and hold the lavabo bowl in your left hand,
leaving your right hand free to give items to or receive items from the priest. If there is a
second chalice, immediately place it up on the marble altar in preparation for the LEM
assisting in the distribution.

As the table is prepared, the priest will request the water cruet; pass the cruets with the
handle facing the priest. A short time later, the priest will hand back the water cruet and
hold their hands over the lavabo bowl for washing. You gently pour enough water over
the hands, and then the priest will dry their hands with the lavabo towel.

When no longer needed by the priest, place items on the credence table in an orderly
manner, and wait to receive your sacrament. Afterwards, stand attentively by your seat
with your hands folded in front of you at the waist, and be ready to assist either the priest
or the LEM, if needed, during the distribution.

When the distribution is complete, again turn your attention to the priest. The priest will
bring the chalices to the acolyte who will then pour a little water into each. The priest will
do ablutions (clean the vessels) then pass the chalices to the acolyte. The priest will also
hand the remaining table settings to the acolyte. Place each on the credence table as
received in an orderly manner. When it is clear the priest no longer needs your assistance,
return to participating in the remainder of the service.

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 ADDITIONAL DUTIES

A FLAG BEARER is used only during worship that occurs on National Holidays. This
person brings the American flag to the 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 BANNER BEARER is similar to the Flag Bearer and again, instructions will be given
in advance.

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 “thruible” 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; this person is called the “boat bearer”. Again the directions
for this are more technical and specific to the service, and are done on a one-to-one basis.

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