Welcome To Our New Acolyte Leader

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Please join us in welcoming Gift Deresoma, who has agreed to serve in the critical worship role of Acolyte Leader.  This is a great opportunity for our young people to gain confidence and grow in the faith.  Please see Gift for more information.

A Brief History of Acolytes (from Building Faith)

The word acolyte is derived from the Greek word akolouthos, meaning companion, attendant, or helper. This ministry has its roots in the Old Testament, where the prophet Samuel is seen assisting Eli, the Levite priest. Similarly, Elisha is seen assisting Elijah the Prophet.

Flash forward to early Christian times. Acolytes are mentioned as a minor order (a transitory step leading to the orders of deacon, priest, or bishop) beginning in the third century. At first, acolytes assisted deacons at the preparation of the table. Later, they carried candles in processions. In Rome, they carried fragments of the bread consecrated at the Mass to other churches.

In the late Middle Ages, when candles began to appear upon altars, acolytes lighted the altar candles. Eventually, lay servers (sacristans) performed these duties as part of their training for the priesthood. After the Reformation, many of these duties were taken over by lay clerks. However, later in the nineteenth century, the clerks faded, and their duties were largely taken over by lay “acolytes” and sacristans or altar guilds.

Acolytes Today

Today we see acolytes dressed in robes of red or white, quietly carrying torches, crosses, alms basins, and cruets of water & wine. A vital part of worship, acolytes blend into the background and help our liturgies flow smoothly.

We may see acolytes doing any or all of the following, depending on the church denomination and worship style:

  • Carrying torches or a cross (crucifer)

  • Holding the Altar Book open before the presider at the Eucharist

  • Bearing the Gospel Book in procession and at the proclamation

  • Carrying the vessels to the Lord’s Table

  • Washing the presider’s hands (lavabo)

  • Bringing additional vessels to the altar after the consecration of the bread and wine

  • Clearing the altar after Communion