How Shall I Serve Him?

Opportunities for Service at Trinity

THE ACOLYTES

                Jacob Thompson                                Harris Mgbike

                   Crucifer                                               Acolyte

Trinity has been blessed for many years with a dedicated pair of acolytes:  Harris Mgbike and, Kingsley Mgbike.  This year they will both be attending college out of town.  They will surely fill in when they are in town.  At other times, we will have to call our Lay Readers into service as acolytes as well.  Acolytes minister to us and worship God, through their wonderful service at the Altar.  Although young men make up the majority of our acolytes, it is a position available to all men in the congregation.  We would like to see many men make themselves available to this opportunity. Whenever a young man expresses an interest in becoming an acolyte, and is physically able to perform the required duties, he is invited to contact Fr. Forrest.  Our Lay Readers also fill in as acolytes and are another resource for suggestions and support.

Early in their training, the boys learn some of the traditions and church history involving their office of acolyte;  for instance, that the word “acolyte” is derived from the Greek word akolouthos, which means “attendant,” and that at one time there were four minor orders of ordained clergymen, of which acolyte was the highest.  In descending importance were exorcist, reader, and porter.  The Anglican Church always has recognized the orders of Bishop, Priest, and Deacon as the only “ordained” clergy.  Today, we recognize Sub-Deacon, Lay Reader and Acolyte as Lay offices.

During the training, they learn that they will be expected to be able to perform all the required duties of the job.  The different parts of the service are practiced over and over until they are comfortable with them.  During the first two or three working services, a lay reader is in the sanctuary with the acolyte to help him, if needed.  The image of an attendant is still a good descriptor for what an acolyte does.  He attends to the needs of the celebrant, the altar, and the people, in order that the Holy Communion may take place as efficiently as possible.

The role of the acolyte is not an easy one to fulfill.  It requires close attention and precision in carrying out the various tasks.   Just before the beginning of the service, he lights the appropriate candles.  At the opening hymn, he leads the ministers (lay reader and clergy) to the Sanctuary, and then leads the young people out of the nave for their Sunday school class.

During the offertory, he distributes the offering plates to the ushers.  Also during this time in the service, he assists the priest in the preparation of the elements for consecration, and the priest’s lavabo (washing his hands). Later in the service, when appropriate, the acolyte rings the altar bell at the Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy) and at the reverences during the consecration. Lastly, he helps the priest to accomplish the ablutions after all have communicated, and, as well, returns the missal to the Epistle side of the Altar.  After leading the recessional, he returns to the altar to extinguish the candles, signaling the end of the worship service.

As is apparent, there are many details for the acolyte to remember.  Like many jobs in the church, it would be easier to let someone else do it.  Ideally, we all are called to serve in the Church because it is our obligation, and also our means of showing our love and reverence toward our Lord.  These young men set a fine example for the rest of us by their willingness to learn and serve.  Several men in our congregation have served as acolytes as boys and as a result have held fast to their commitment to faithful and meaningful service.