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Acolyte Guidelines


If you are scheduled to acolyte on an upcoming Sunday and you are a little uncertain about just exactly what you are supposed to do and when you are supposed to do it, don’t worry! These guidelines will help you. First-time acolytes are always paired with an experienced acolyte, so if you become confused, just follow your partner!

1. Arrival

  • Acolytes should arrive 15 minutes before the start of the service as the candles are lit once the prelude music begins.

2. Wardrobe

  • Acolytes wear white robes and ropes unless otherwise instructed.
  • No sandals or clogs should be worn; shoes need to be tied and as clean as possible.
  • All clothing should be clean and in good condition.

3. Lighting of Candles

  • The Acolyte Director or another Adult will do lighting of the Acolyte wicks. Acolytes should not light the wicks themselves!
  • Candelabra are lit as though opening a book, from right to left and extinguished in opposite fashion, left to right, making sure that both partners are even with one another. (Please watch your partner to remain consistent)
  • Altar candle is lit after candelabra and is extinguished in the same order.
  • Try to not touch the brass together;  it makes an unpleasant tinkling sound.

4. Offering

  • Acolytes stand in front of the Altar to collect the offering plates from the Ushers and present to the Pastor before returning to stand in front of their seats.

5. Communion

  • Acolytes take communion at Altar with Pastor and Deacons prior to the congregational feast.
  • If the tray is held underneath with an open palm, the acolyte will have improved control, which should prevent the tray from tipping or the glasses from clanging together.
  • When collecting cups, start to fill tray at the point farthest away from you and work in toward your body. This will help prevent your sleeve from knocking the cups off.
  • Once tray becomes mostly full, or if it becomes too heavy, place tray on wall off in side room. Take an empty tray and continue.

6. Extinguishing Candles and Departure

  • Candles are extinguished during the singing of the last Hymn.
  • Extinguish candles in the same order s they were lit, this time as though closing as book.
  • If last Hymn is still being sung after candles are extinguished, return to stand in front of seats until Hymn is finished. Once announcements begin, Acolytes quietly exit out the side door and remove robes in Robe room.