HOW TO BECOME AND ACOLYTE AT GRACE

• You must be in the fourth grade or older.  Adults are welcome, too.
• You have to WANT to be an acolyte.  This needs to be your idea first and foremost.
• You must be a baptized Christian and a person who regularly attends church.

We begin each new "acolyte year in August with "Ribbon/Commitment Sunday."  Each acolyte pledges to serve faithfully in the coming year, and receives a colored ribbon with a cross elevating him/her to the next year of service.  At the time of the ribbon presentation, each acolyte is introduced to the congregation. 

TRAINING

Training between September 1st and January 1st - 
New Acolyte Training

• Each new acolyte will sit with the Acolyte Trainer in the chancel once in order to observe the service more closely.  The further purpose of this is for the "trainee" to look out on the congregation, and see how it feels.  For the trainer, it is a time to assess whether or not the child is ready to sit still for an hour, and whether he/she can follow the service in the BCP.  It is also a good time for trainer/trainee to get to know one another. 
• Attend one 30-45 minute session to learn about:  terms, dress, behavior, scheduling, torchbearing, and processing in and out.     

Training after January 1st - Server One Training

• Session one - candlelighting, processing with Episcopal flag, order of service, holding intinction cup, etc.
• Session two - appointment with and the trainer and priest to learn about communion silver and practice handing it to the priest in the correct order.  This is also a chance for the priest to get to know the new acolytes. 

Training in Late Spring or Early Summer - Server Two Training

• Usually one session to learn:  American flag and "crossing over" (for purpose of being on the right of the Episcopal flag), carrying the Gospel book, receiving the offering plates and fastening the communion railing.  

Crucifer Training

• Crucifer Training - When an acolyte has completed first and second server training, and is in 7th grade of older, he/she will be trained to carry the cross.

Acolyting at the 7:30 (Early) Service

• Mandatory when the acolyte reaches driving age, but acolytes may volunteer as early as 8th grade.  Each eligible acolyte is expected to serve at a minimum of ONE 7:30 service in each 3 month scheduling period.  Those who do so willingly have first choice when it comes to acolyting at the BIG services:  Christmas, Palm Sunday, Easter, Pentecost, and Confirmation. 

Go to Main Acolyte Page

Go to Acolyte Prayer Page

Go to Acolyte Scheduling, Dress and Decorum Page

Go to Home Page

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