"Crosses, torches, vestments, choirs, assorted acolytes and servers, all serve to movethe congregation of believers out of secular time and space into sacred time and space." (Cf "A Sermon for the 3rd Sunday in Lent A" by Kathie Sandmaier)
Acolytes - In contemporary Anglicanism, a general term which covers not only servers, torchbearers, and lighters of candles but also crucifers, thurifers, and banner-bearers. Acolytes are mentioned as a minor order (along with porters, lectors, and exorcists) as early as a letter of Pope Cornelius to Fabius of Antioch in 252. They were also mentioned in Cyprian's writings. They assisted deacons or subdeacons at the preparation of the table. Later they carried candles in processions. In Rome they carried fragments of the bread consecrated at the papal Mass to other churches. In the late middle ages, when candles began to appear upon altars, they lighted the altar candles. Eventually lay servers or sacristans performed duties earlier associated with acolytes, and the order of acolyte was normally conferred upon a candidate for priesthood in the
course of his training. The minor orders were not perpetuated in Anglicanism. Some of the duties earlier performed by persons in the minor order of acolyte were taken over by lay clerks. In the later nineteenth century the clerks were suppressed and their duties were largely taken over by lay "acolytes" and sacristans or altar guilds. See Minor Orders. (Cf. A New Dictiol1OJJ'for Episcopalians)
Servers or Acolytes - are representatives of the congregation who take part in processions (bearing the censer, the processional cross, torches, books) and assist the clergy in various ways to facilitate the services
- lighting and extinguishing candles,
- incensing the clergy and people,
- assisting at the preparation of the table and at the ablutions,
- carrying extra incense or books or other items which might be needed in the rites). (Cj A Manual of Ceremonial for the New Prayer Book, by Marion J. Hatchett. Sewanee: St. Luke's Journal of Theology, 1977. p.17)
We currently are blessed in having this role be an intergenerational ministry with three adults and young adults who serve as Acolytes or Servers; and are always open to welcome new people into this great ministry of hospitality. If interested, please contact the parish office at 793-9575.