Acolytes

What are acolytes?

They central participants in the liturgies of the church. Acolyte means an attendant or follower, and Samuel is one of the first examples of an assistant to a priest.

At St. Paul's, this ministry is open to children from 3rd to 12th grade. Children in elementary and middle school serve as torch bearers and high schoolers serve as crucifers.

A young blonde boy focuses intently on holding up his candlestick while serving as an acolyte torch bearer at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Edenton, NC

To children who step up: Your job as an acolyte is to assist the celebrant (the priest in charge of a worship service) and enhance the worship service to help glorify God. You are a minister of the church who is called to serve God. Therefore, every action you take should be done respectfully and in a dignified manner; the goal is for the attention of the congregation to be on the liturgy and not on the ministers. Serving as an acolyte is a commitment of your time and talent to the Lord’s service, which is greatly appreciated.

ACOLYTE MANUAL

Two young women serve as torch bearer acolyes

Torch Bearers

3rd to 8th grade

A torch bearer is an acolyte or server who carries a tall candle that is mounted on a pole for use during the liturgy, especially the processional, Gospel Procession and the Recessional. Torch bearers enhance our worship, reminding us that we all bear Christ's light into the world.

A teenage boy serves as a crucifer acolyte during worship

Crucifers

9th to 12th grade

The crucifer carries the cross at the head of the procession for all parts of the liturgy. They also assist the priest at the altar with setting the table for communion.