St. Mark’s Acolyte Ministry
The acolyte ministry stems from Old Testament times. The Scriptures tell of the Prophet Samuel assisting Eli the priest and of Elijah being assisted by Elisha. The New Testament illustrates early Christian adoption of this custom, retained to the present day as the honored office of acolyte.
Purpose of the Ministry
Acolytes are the youth of our congregation in grades 6 through 12 who feel called to play a leadership role in our worship service. They serve as examples for worshippers, leaders of the congregation during the service, and assistants for the clergy and lay ministers. Acolytes participate in all phases of the rites and ceremonies at St. Marks Church. The Ministry gives our youth an opportunity to assume a leadership position in the Parish, learn our traditions, and to actively participate in its services in a very unique and memorable way.
A good acolyte accepts the work as a sacred duty, and participation reflects willingness to work under direction. An acolyte is a person that accepts direction and guidance from the Clergy and Acolyte Director. All relationships with fellow acolytes are to be Christian; using tact, composure and tolerance while exercising this ministry, and any negative personal feelings are left outside the Church when conducting this ministry.
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.
Recruiting and Training
St. Mark’s youth become eligible to participate in the Acolyte Ministry after they have reached their 12th birthday and typically serve until they complete their senior year of high school. The eligible youth are encouraged to enter the Acolyte Ministry after they turn 12 so that they can begin the training process and steps necessary to rise to high levels of service within the Acolyte Ministry.
In September, all of the Acolytes gather for the youth Acolytes to complete a mandatory annual training/refresher session. The training consists of instruction/changes, fellowship, a simple meal and stories that help to train the new confirmands and existing acolytes on their duties, changes and responsibilities.
The acolytes are divided into teams with the oldest Acolyte assuming the role of team leader. The program goal is to have each team leader be responsible for assisting their team in refresher training, scheduling, assuring proper dress, and making sure that their team arrives ready for the appointed services.
We try and balance each team considering different age levels, friends and family. The oldest Acolyte is usually the team leader and usually carries the cross (Crucifer). The other two team members assume the role of Torch Bearers.
Our training includes instruction on how to perform the four Acolyte positions: Crucifer, Flag Bearer(s), Torch Bearers, and Server. Training also includes an explanation of the liturgical traditions we observe and correct liturgical vocabulary.
Training for special services, such as Christmas, Lent, Easter, Confirmation, baptism, weddings and funerals, are done on an as needed basis. The special services are usually staffed by the more senior Acolytes.
Each Acolyte is given an Acolyte Handbook for reference. The Handbook contains the liturgical vocabulary and a detailed description of the duties of each Acolyte position. It also contains the rules each Acolyte is expected to observe, a definition of terms, which are used in the Church and contact information for the Acolyte Ministry. The handbook is posted on the Parish web site under the Acolyte Ministry page.
Recognition, Recommendations and Questions
Our Acolyte Ministry offers both informal and formal forms of recognition.
Informal - Please thank your Acolytes for their service and the many hours they give to continue our traditions of worship at St. Marks.
Formal – Order of St. Marks (OSM) Cross and ribbon:
OSM Crucifer/Team Leader – St. Marks (OSM) Cross with blue ribbon
OSM 1st & 2nd Torch Bearer/Server – St. Marks (OSM) Cross red ribbon
OSM Trainee – Wooden cross with green ribbon
During Lent acolytes should not wear their OSM Cross and ribbon. Those who have a wooden cross on green ribbon or leather cord may wear them at this time.
St. Mark’s welcomes all youth to this important ministry and looks forward to assisting them in their leadership development journey. If you have any questions, ideas or constructive feedback please feel free to contact the Acolyte Director.
Acolyte Director
The Acolyte Director is Steve Wright. He can be contacted by phone (704-948-9077), or email (swrightz@bellsouth.net).
Acolyte Handbook Links:
