Having been confirmed by the Diocesan Bishop, Altar Boys who have been disciplined in their behaviour over past six/seven years and have been sincere in their duties can now graduates to an ACOLYTE.
Scripture Reference:
Isaiah 6:8 (KJV) “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.”
Psalm 24:3–4 (KJV) “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD?… He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart…”
Colossians 3:23–24 (KJV) “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men…”
CONGRATULATIONS ! You have graduated to an Acolyte !
Acolytes primary responsibilities, at Mass will be decided by the Vicar of the Parish – which Acolyte will officiate as a Crucifier, Thurifer, assist at the Lord’s Table or Manage the Lessons etc.
You need to remember that an Acolyte is NO LONGER A MERE helper in the Sanctuary to the priest, like he was as an Altar Boy.
HE IS NOW A SERVANT of Jesus Christ, assisting in the most REVERENT worship of Almighty God.
Therefore, this ministry should always be carried out with great reverence humility, discipline, and prayer.
1. An Acolyte Is Called To Serve at HIS Sanctuary
Our Lord Himself set the pattern for all Christian service.
“For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
— Mark 10:45 (KJV)
An acolyte serves Jesus Christ by firstly keeping the Sanctuary of His Church devoid of all non sanctified elements in the Sanctuary.
2. Serve With Reverence
Everything done in God’s House must be done reverently.
“Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear…”
— Ecclesiastes 5:1
“God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints.”
— Psalm 89:7
Practical Responsibility
• Walk deliberately and quietly fulfilling his responsibilities.
• Never be in haste nor run.
• Avoid unnecessary conversation.
• Handle sacred objects with reverence and great respect.
• Light Candles in the Sanctuary with deep respect. Always begin with the lightning of the Paschal Candle.
• Carry the blessed incense with reverence carrying the incense boat in the left hand and swing the thurible with your right hand.
• Carry the Processional Cross with reverence. Bow with your neck as the Cross should never bow or tilt - it should remain erect at all times. 3. Worship Before You Serve
An acolyte is first a worshipper.
“O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.”
— Psalm 95:6
Serving at the altar is an act of worship, not a performance.
4. Be Faithful In Small Things
Every duty matters.
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.”
— Luke 16:10
Examples should show case:
• Lighting candles correctly.
• Carrying the Incense Boat and Processional Cross with reverence and steadily.
• Holding the Gospel Book properly at Processions at Holy Mass.
• Ringing the Sanctus Bell at the correct time and correct manner.
• Preparing the Altar carefully.
• Correctly ring the Angelus Bell also known as the Mass Bell before start of Mass. 5. Be Clean In Heart and Life
Those who serve at God’s altar should seek holy lives.
“Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD?… He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart.”
— Psalm 24:3–4
“Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
— 1 Peter 1:16
6. Obey Those Appointed Over You Even When They Are Younger.
The priest and senior acolytes guide the worship in the Church.
“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves.”
— Hebrews 13:17
Listen carefully and carry out instructions promptly.
7. Be Prepared Before The Service
Preparation prevents distraction during worship.
“Let all things be done decently and in order.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:40
Before every service:
• Arrive fifteen minutes early.
• Pray.
• Put on vestments carefully.
• Check candles.
• Prepare the altar.
• Ensure all sacred vessels are ready.8. Handle Holy Things Reverently and Carefully
The vessels used in worship are dedicated to God’s service.
“In holiness and righteousness before him.”
— Luke 1:75
The Tabernacle servants were instructed to care for the holy vessels with great reverence (see Numbers 4).
Never treat sacred vessels casually.
9. Pray Constantly
An acolyte should silently pray before, during, and after serving.
“Pray without ceasing.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Simple prayers may include:
“Lord Jesus, help me to serve Thee faithfully.”
or
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD.”
— Psalm 19:14
10. Be An Example To Others
People often learn reverence by watching the servers.
“Be thou an example of the believers…”
— 1 Timothy 4:12
Your conduct should reflect Jesus Christ both inside and outside the Church.
11. Remember Whom You Serve
An acolyte serves neither the priest nor the congregation first.
He serves Jesus Christ.
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”
— Colossians 3:23
An Acolyte’s Rule of Life
Before every service, remember these principles:
1. Arrive Twenty Minutes early.
2. Pray before serving.
3. Be neatly vested.
4. Serve quietly and reverently.
5. Pay attention at all times.
6. Never distract the congregation.
7. Handle holy things carefully.
8. Obey promptly.
9. Pray throughout the service.
10. Give thanks to God after the service.A Prayer for Acolytes
Almighty God, who hast called me to serve at Thy holy altar, grant me grace to serve Thee with reverence, humility, and faithful devotion. Keep my hands diligent, my mind attentive, my heart pure, and my life worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. May everything I do bring honour to Thy Holy Name and help Thy people worship Thee in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Rector Ceremonies