Almighty and everlasting God, who gives grace to those who minister; give your blessing, we pray, upon your acolytes appointed to serve you before your Altar. Give them seriousness of life that the service in which they engage may be to their profit and spiritual good.  Through their association with holy places and holy things may they grow in the Christian life.  And by their service in this earthly house where you manifest your glory, may they be prepared for that Mansion not made with hands, eternal in the heavens; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

The word Acolyte comes from the Greek word "akolouthos," meaning a servant or attendant who waits continually upon another: a follower.  The Church ordains three major orders today - Bishops, Priests, and Deacons.  In the early Church, four minor orders were also ordained - Acolytes, Lectors, Exorcists, and Ostiarii, known today as Vergers.

The ministry of Acolyte is very old, going back to at least the third century CE.  These early acolytes had functions very similar to those of the modern day- they were to assist the bishop and clergy during liturgical services and help lead and define the tone of worship for the community.  Like today, these early acolytes gave strong witness to their Christian faith and were dedicated to their worship community.

Tarsicus, an acolyte in Rome, was martyred in 258 when he was found bringing the Eucharist to early 'shut-ins'; and St. Vincent of Saragossa, the patron saint of acolytes, was martyred in 304 CE for his defense of Christianity in a Roman court.  Throughout the centuries, acolytes continue to be dedicated witnesses for Christ in both dramatic and mundane ways.  The next time you see an acolyte light a candle, remember that you're witnessing a piece of our apostolic tradition that spans at least 17 centuries!

Acolyte functions include:   Crucifer - who processes with the cross, directs the other acolytes in the preparation of the altar at offertory, and acts as chief acolyte for the team serving that day   Torch-bearers (Lucifers) - who process with the torches and assist the crucifer at offertory and help during communion   Gospel Bearer - who processes with the Gospel and ensures that the correct books for worship are properly positioned on the altar   Thurifer -  who disperses incense when used.

Traditional Acolyte Prayer

Almighty God, who has called us your servants to the sacred office of Acolyte in your church, that clothed in white we may minister before you, we pray your great mercy to guide, strengthen, and sanctify us by your Holy Spirit, that, always doing your will, we may both by our service in your house and by our daily life, please you and glorify your Name, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.

Contemporary Acolyte Prayer

St. Joseph's Acolyte Training Manual