THE ACOLYTE AND ITS MINISTRIES

THE ACOLYTE AND ITS MINISTRIES  

Notes of Rev. Jeric C. Cortado, SPMCI Faculty

The word acolyte is derived from the Greek word akolouthos, to follow. Therefore, an acolyte is someone who follows someone else, a FOLLOWER. Christians are followers of Jesus Christ. Therefore, all Christians are acolytes of Jesus Christ. And that is most important thing an acolyte does – follow Jesus. But that is not all, because those who follow someone else usually try to help the person they follow, the word acolyte is often translated as Helper or Assistant. That is the way we usually use the word in the church. An acolyte is a person who helps the pastor in public worship.The Acolyte ministry has its roots in the Old Testament of the Holy Bible, where the prophet Samuel is seen assisting Eli, the Levite priest, and Elisha is seen assisting Elijah the Prophet.

In the early church, acolytes were young men who were preparing for the priesthood. These acolytes performed many duties including lighting and extinguishing candles, carrying candles in procession, taking charge of the alms basin, helping the priest prepare for the Eucharist, and general fetching and carrying. Acolytes began to be a part of processions between the fifth and ninth centuries, carrying candles to provide light for the reader, a precursor to the Gospel procession. By the ninth century, the obligation to prepare for the priesthood was no longer a requirement, and acolytes were understood to be assistants to the priest.

In the Methodist traditions, acolytes participate in the worship service by carrying a processional cross or crucifix (these acolytes are called crucifers), lighting and extinguishing the altar candles, and ringing the church bell to call the congregation to worship.The lighting of the altar candles in the worship service is a symbol of Jesus’ coming into the presence of the worshiping community. Before lighting the candles the acolyte is supposed to bow at the altar. Before the extinguishing of the last altar candles, the acolytes relight their "candle lighter" and then process out into the narthex. This symbolizes that Jesus Christ is for all people everywhere. It also symbolizes the light of Jesus Christ going out into the world where believers are called to serve. 

The purpose this ministry is to assist the clergy in performing sacramental duties and religious services; to be an outward and very visible sign of Christ's light...to be reliable, attentive, expectant, worshipful, confident, caring, careful and joyful...to serve the Lord with gladness; and to serve the Lord in the gathering of God's people by assisting in the drama and actions of the liturgies of the Church. This ministry is appropriately reserved for those who show a deep love for our Lord. 

References:1. Hickman, Hoyt L. (1984) United Methodist Altars: A Guide for the Local Church. USA: Abingdon Press.2. Sr. M. Graziella Aseberos, pddm. Et al., (2012) ENRICHING LITURGICAL LIFE, vol. 1. Philippines: PDDM Liturgical Ministries, Inc.3. White, James F. (2000) Introduction To Christian Worship, Third Edition. USA: Abingdon Press.4. Womack Edwin B. (2004) COME, FOLLOW ME: A Study Book for Acolytes. USA: CSS Publishing Company, Inc.