St. Mark's Acolyte Ministry
Acolyte Duties

As an acolyte it is your duty and privilege to serve God in his church.  Your responsibility is to assist the clergy in the public worship of God in this Parish.

You are performing acts that have been a vital part of worship in the church since its beginnings.  In whatever task you perform, do it to the best of your ability.

Remember that worship should be done with order and dignity that befits the majesty of God.  Do not be negligent, for the Lord has chosen you to stand in his presence to minister to him and to be his minister.

You must set an example for the congregation.  Follow the service order for instructions when to kneel, sit and stand and the congregation will follow you.

Lighting Candles

Ten minutes prior to service 1^st and 2^nd Torch Bearers light candles.

• You may either go from left-to-right or right-to-left; the candle on the left side of the altar should not be burning by itself at any point.

After the service 1^st or 2^nd Torch Bearer snuffs candles. 

• Similar process as for lighting candles.

The Paschal candle is lit during the 50 days of Easter and for baptisms, weddings and funerals.  It is lit before all other candles and extinguished last.  The Trendle is lit during the seasons of Advent and Christmas.  It is lit first and extinguished last.

1^st Crucifer (or if only one)

Hold cross high. Right hand at nose turned out, left hand about belt high / comfortable.

Process up the aisle, pause in at the altar rail, then go to your places.  You do not bow your heads as you enter or exit the altar rail – the torches and cross you are carrying symbolizes reverence.

1^st Torch Bearer / 1^st Server

Walk in line with the 2^nd Torch bearer, 2 steps behind the 1^st Crucifer.

Go to right (Epistle) side of the altar, place torch in wall bracket, sit - you will serve the credence table.

There are three main duties that the first server performs When the Priest or Deacon is beginning to prepare the table, the acolyte will approach the altar and wait for her (note that all the things she/he will ask for are on the Credence Table (shelf) to the right of the altar.

1. The Priest or Deacon will request the Water (in the cruet, or pitcher). This is the one that does not have the red yarn hanging from it (that one is wine).
2. Washing of hands – The acolyte will then assist in washing the Priest’s and Deacon’s hands, by performing the following steps:

·      Acolyte will place a lavabo towel (larger linen napkin) over their left forearm, with the embroidered cross facing out.

·      They will then hold a lavabo (bowl) in their left hand, and the water cruet in their right.

·      The acolyte will then pour water over the Priest’s hands, who will dry them with the towel and then flip it so the embroidered cross is facing inward (dry side out).

·      The acolyte will then do the same for the Deacon. Afterwards, the acolyte will return these items to the credence table.

3. Providing of other Chalice and Paten (or Vessels- a cup and plate for Communion wine and wafers). The acolyte will hand the Priest or Deacon the second chalice (if applicable) and paten. This is done after the following is sung or said: “Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; therefore let us keep the feast.”
4. Clearing the altar- after the ushers take communion, be ready to take any items off the altar that the deacon hands you.

So in summary, the order is Water, Wash, and then Vessels.

2^nd Torch Bearer / 2^nd Server

Walk in line with the 1^st Torch bearer, 2 steps behind the 1^st Crucifer.

Go to left (Gospel) side of the altar, place torch in wall bracket, sit - you will take care of the offering plates.

At the Offertory, take the collection plates (from the Credence Table / shelf to the left of the altar) and hand them to the ushers once they have placed the wine and bread on the altar.

When the ushers come up with the collection plates, rise to meet them at the altar rail.  Once receiving them, you will turn and stand in the front and center of the altar.  Hold the offering plates up to the priest.  Wait for the priest to bless the plates, then place them on back on the plate table.

2^nd Crucifer (for special occasions)

You walk in and out behind the choir - pace yourself 2 pews behind the last choir member. 

Flag Bearers – used on special occasions

You walk in and out 2 steps behind the 2^nd Crucifer.

Two flags are used in our liturgy.  One is the Episcopal Church flag.  It symbolizes our church tradition as we have maintained it in the Episcopal Church in America.  The other is the American flag.  It symbolizes our nation and the close ties between it and our church.

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