Acolytes
Acolytes participate in the service as assistants to the clergy. This ministry is for both children (4th grade and up) and adults, and provides young people the opportunity to serve in a visible capacity in important worship roles.
The word comes from the ancient Greek word akolouthos, which means “follower,” “companion,” or “helper”.
Duties and Roles
Acolytes perform ceremonial tasks that help worship services run smoothly and respectfully. Their common duties include:
- Lighting and extinguishing altar candles
- Carrying the processional cross or crucifix
- Holding torches, banners, or the Bible during processions
- Assisting with preparing the altar, bread, wine, and water for communion
