Acolytes
In churches of the Anglican Communion, such as the Episcopal Church in the United States, altar servers are called acolytes. At All Saints, men, women and children are encouraged and welcome to assist at the altar. Our acolytes serve on teams. In keeping with the ancient traditions of the Church, the senior member of each team is called the Subdeacon. Other members of each team are the Thurifer, the Crucifer, the Torchbearers and the Boat Bearer. Altar Servers are trained by the Master of Acolytes, who is appointed by the Rector.
The Subdeacon holds Prayer Books, reads the Epistle, carries the Gospel Book, leads the Prayers of the People, assists at the Offertory, bears a chalice at Communion and assists with the Ablutions. The Thurifer leads processions by swinging a pot of incense, and rings the sanctus bells. The Crucifer carries the ceremonial cross in processions and bears a chalice at Communion. The Torchbearers carry candles in processions. The Boat Bearer (usually a child) carries the container of incense.
At the Mass, the acolytes wear white robes (called albs) and belts (called cinctures) that are similar to those worn by ordained ministers. At non-eucharistic services, the acolytes wear black robes (called cassocks) under white knee-length covers (called surplices).
At All Saints, acolytes strive to make our liturgy purposeful, dutiful and beautiful.
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