Acolytes

Acolytes assist the priest in the worship service in many ways. The youngest members are trained to be Torch Bearers, and then progress to be Crucifer and ultimately, Server. Torch Bearers carry the torches during the processional, the reading of the Gospel and during the recessional. The Crucifer is responsible for lighting and extinguishing the altar candles and for carrying the cross during the processional, the Gospel reading and the recessional. The Server assists the priest at the altar in preparing the Sacrament and collecting the offertory from the Ushers. In the early day of the Christian church, serving as an Acolyte was one of the steps towards become a pastor.