ACOLYTE INSTRUCTIONS

FIRST SERVER

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Before the Service and Procession

Preparation of Elements (Communion)

Consecration Prayer and Communion

Ending Procession

Before the Service---and the Procession

1) Wearing a red cassock and cross, go into the church with the second server. Bow together and light the candles.

At Grace we LIGHT THE ALTAR CANDLES first, and then the CANDELABRA from the inside to the outside.

2) When finished, bow together again. Get the EPISCOPAL flag and fasten it in the hallway outside the vesting room. Put on a white cotta and line up to process behind the choir men. You stand to the LEFT of the second server who carries the AMERICAN FLAG.

3) Carry the flag at a slight angle with one hand against your stomach and the other about fourteen inches from it, up the pole. Keep about six feet between you and the choir person in front of you.

4) When the procession arrives at the choir stalls, pause and let the second server cross in front of you. Wait at the altar railing until the hymn ends, put your flag away, and bow with the second server. Take your seat to the RIGHT of the altar where the communion silver is.

5) FOLLOW YOUR BULLETIN and use the PRAYER BOOK. Sit and stand with the congregation.

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During the Service---Preparation of the Elements (Communion)

----- At the OFFERTORY HYMN remain standing and the priest will signal you to help her prepare for Communion. The Communion silver is found on the CREDENCE TABLE.

1) Take the lid off the BREAD BOX (Ciborium), and set it aside. Hold the box while the priest takes out what is needed. Put the box back and replace the lid.

2) Hand the priest the small glass cruet if it is there. This is used for home Communions.

3) Hand the priest the wine pitcher (with the red yarn on the handle) and the water pitcher at the same time with the handles facing toward her.

4) She will bless the wine, pour it into the chalice, and dilute with some wine.  then she will return the pitchers to you.

5) Put both the pitchers back on the credence table with the handles facing you and LIFT THE LID of the water pitcher.

6) Pick up the TOWEL and place it on your LEFT arm. Place the (Lavabo) BOWL in your LEFT hand. Pick up the water pitcher and pour some over the priest’s fingers. Return these items to the table.

7) Stand when the OFFERING is brought forward and receive the SILVER that the ushers bring up the aisle. Take it to the altar.

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Consecration Prayer and Communion

1)Kneel or stand with your LAYREADER during the CONSECRATION PRAYER. Put the kneeling cushions aside and then receive communion with your layreader.

2) Hand the small INTINCTION CUPS to your layreader as well as any other silver that is on the small table.

3) Hold the INTINCTION CUP after it is filled with wine, by receiving it on the palm of your hand, and grasping it with the fingers of your other hand. Hand it to your layreader as needed. After the entire congregation has received Communion, replace the kneelers.

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Ending Procession

1) When the final hymn begins, extinguish your candles from the OUTSIDE of the CANDELABRA to the INSIDE. Then put out the ALTAR CANDLES.

2) Walk down to the railing with the second server, face each other , and BOW TOGETHER.

3) Get the EPISCOPAL flag from it’s stand near the organ. Fall into the procession BEHIND the choir men.

4) After processing out, return your flag to it’s place in the church. Then return to the vesting room to hang up your vestments.

+++Helpful Hints

EAT before the service.

Dress in COOL clothing and DARK shoes.

Tell your layreader or the crucifer if you feel ILL.

Never be afraid to ASK QUESTIONS. The people who know the most are the ones who ASK.

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If you have questions about our acolyte program or anything else, please feel free to contact us.