Appendix D - Acolyte Guidelines
Upon Arrival at Church
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Acolytes should arrive at the church at least ten minutes before
the service is scheduled to start.
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At that time they should choose an appropriately fitting acolyte
robe and belt from the closet in the sacristy. Parents are
encouraged to assist their child in putting on the robe and
belt.
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The acolyte should check
with the Pastor to see if there are any special instructions for
the service. Baptisms, confirmation, new member installations,
etc. may involve special duties for the acolyte.
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The acolyte waits quietly
in the sacristy until the opening hymn begins.
During the Opening Hymn After the Confession of Sins
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Light the candle lighter
and solemnly walk from the sacristy with the candle lighter held
upright and in front of the body with both hands.
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Approach the altar and bow
head at the altar before turning and lighting the candle on the
left.
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Return to altar and bow
again towards the altar before lighting the candle on the right.
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Return to the front of the
altar, bow once more, extinguish the candle lighter, set the
candle lighter in the holder and sit in the chair next to the
Pastor.
During the
Service
-
1st
service when the choir is in session, the choir will do there
own collection. Their offering will be picked up by the acolyte
and joined with the rest of the offering when they receive the
offering plates from the ushers at the front of the church.
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Take all
offering plates to the Lay Associate at the altar.
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Assist with
communion by collecting the communion cups from parishioners
communing at the communion rail. Place the used cups in the
empty tray on the Altar, not back into the tray with cups
full for distribution.
During the
Closing Hymn
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Extinguish the
altar candles following the same reverent protocol as when they
were lit.
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Make sure the
candle lighter is extinguished and return to the sacristy.
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Hang the robe
and belt neatly in the closet in the sacristy.
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Place the candle
lighter in the closet in the sacristy.
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