Acolytes were first mentioned in Christian history in the year 250 A.D. Their duties went far beyond serving on the altar, as they were also responsible for visiting and taking communion to the sick and shut-ins, distributing alms, and ministering to those in need. Some were even palace officers. Throughout the years, as additional orders were developed, what started out as an adult function has gradually become a youth ministry.
Acolytes are part of the Order of St. Vincent. Our patron saint lived in the 3rd century and served at the altar. He is remembered for his love of God, his faithfulness to his bishop and his unswerving loyalty to his responsibilities. He was martyred in the year 304 A.D. Although it dates back to the 1880's, the Order was officially founded in on January 22, 1915. This is why after training the acolytes at Trinity are officially commissioned into the ministry on the Sunday closest to January 22. At that time they receive their own cross and a certificate for their ministry.
Acolytes
The word acolyte comes from the Greek word akolouthos, meaning a servant or attendant who waits upon another. An acolyte is a lay person who assists on the altar, and those at Trinity serve this important role in the worship service. Of the 20 acolytes currently serving at Trinity, there is a wide mixture of children and adults ranging from 9 years old to, well let's just say the oldest acolytes are grandparents.
Responsibilities include carrying the cross in the procession and recession, lighting and extinguishing candles used during the service, ringing the bell outside the church before service, and assisting the preparation and conclusion of the Eucharist.
During the Eucharist, the acolytes distribute additional wine and wafers to the celebrant and Eucharistic Ministers. Acolytes also assist at weddings and funerals. They are most successful at their jobs when no one notices them.
Acolyte training is done throughout the year. It requires one month on the altar for the initial training and tapers down to serving approximately once every five or six weeks.
If you were an acolyte as a child and are interested is becoming one again, or if you never served on the altar and wonder what it is like, please feel free to contact the Parish Office. We always welcome new members into our family. It is a wonderful experience and one that will remain with you for the rest of your life.