Saint Gabriel the Archangel Episcopal Church Acolyte Manual, 2015
Prayer for Acolytes Almighty and everlasting God, who gives grace to those who minister; give your blessing, we pray, upon your acolytes appointed to serve you before your Altar. Give them seriousness of life, that the service in which they engage may be to their profit and spiritual good. Through their association with holy places and holy things may they grow in the Christian life. And by their service in this earthly house where you manifest your glory, may they be prepared for that Mansion not made with hands, eternal in the heavens; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Dear Acolytes at Saint Gabriel and Parents of Acolytes, This manual is offered for training and occasional review by our acolytes. I am grateful to John Morrison, Joel Johnson, and Chris Hirschy for their involvement in putting together this manual. I am also grateful to all acolytes and parents of acolytes for their partnership in this important ministry. Serving at the altar is not merely a privilege for the clergy, nor is it restricted to adults. Children, teens, and lay adults are called to serve as acolytes on the altar. Acolytes are vital members of the worship team and our communal prayer would be diminished without them. In Anglican churches such as the Church of England and the Episcopal Church, altar servers are called acolytes and can be of either sex, and with training any age. An acolyte can assist in worship by carrying a processional cross, lighting candles, holding the Gospel book, holding candles or "torches", assisting a deacon or priest set up and clean up at the altar, swinging incense or carrying the incense boat, handing the offering plates to ushers, and many other tasks as seen fit by the priest or acolyte warden. Acolytes commonly wear cassock and surplice with a cross around one s neck. Along with acolytes other people serve in crucial worship ministries. The altar guild represents a crucial ministry of our parish. It is a ministry of dedicated women (and occasionally men) who prepare the sanctuary for a variety of worship services. Along with the altar guild are ushers, lectors (or readers), clergy, and choir members. We are blessed with people who see the ministry as a form of personal devotion before our Lord Jesus Christ. I know that the people involved enjoy the fellowship of ministering together, and as the circle of participation grows, the opportunity to develop your relationships with other Saint Gabriel members grows as well. Thank you for your service, Father Chris Rector and Pastor 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS Crucifer and Server for Rite II...4 Torchbearer for Rite II.....12 Acolyte and Server for Rite I 17 Acolyte and Lector for Rite I...18 Thurifer..19 3
CRUCIFER AND SERVER FOR RITE II ROLE To be a server, first of all, is an opportunity to be a servant to God. It is through service, prayer and attitude that a server worships God. The server assists the clergy, especially the celebrant and deacon of the Mass. To best carry out these duties, a server must be observant and helpful, if needed, but out of the way if not needed. ARRIVAL TIME It is best to be in the sacristy 15 minutes before the service so the clergy/verger know that all participants are present. This allows time to: be properly attired light the candles retrieve the cross and be briefed on any unusual aspects of the service. ATTIRE Servers at St. Gabriels wear a black cassock, white cotta and a cross. The cassock and cotta are in the large closet in the sacristy. Find the size of both garments that fit best and remember them to make getting properly attired easy in the future. A cross to wear around your neck can be found on inside of the left acolyte garment closet. If you own a cross of the same size or larger, you may wear it. 4
LIGHTING THE CANDLES 1. Light the taper, proceed to the sanctuary and bow to the cross (see pictures on next page). 2. Light the Epistle side altar candle first, bow to the cross and then light the Gospel side altar candle. 3. Proceed to light the Gospel side three retable candles, lighting them from the inside and moving out; do the same for the Epistle side back retable candle. 4. Extinguish the taper, proceed to the front of the altar, bow to the cross and return to the sacristy. 5. If the paschal candle is present, light it first, or if it is already lit, light the taper from it. 6. Return to the sacristy. 7. Select your processional cross and be sure the unused processional cross is in the sacristy and not the sanctuary. 8. After a prayer by the priest or deacon, the altar party goes to the narthex. Above: The tapers are located in the audio room at the bottom of the stairs in the sacristy. Left: The processional cross in the sanctuary. Right: The processional cross in the sacristy is stored on the wall. 5
Above: Proceed to light the Epistle side retable candles, lighting them from the outside, moving inside. Then, repeat the same process on the Gospel side retable candles light from the outside to inside. Left: First light the Epistle side altar candle, bow to the Cross, and then the Gospel side altar candle. 6
EUCHARISTIC SERVICES The crucifer and torchbearers wait in the narthex for the service to begin. They position themselves out of the way of parishioners still coming into church. At this time also, the torchbearers will light their torches. 1. When the congregation starts singing the first hymn, lead the torchbearers, at a dignified pace, into the sanctuary; stop and stand abreast for three seconds in front of the altar on the first level of the sanctuary and then proceed to place the torches and processional cross in the appointed stands. 2. The crucifer and one torchbearer will sit on the Gospel side and the other torchbearer will sit on the Epistle side of the sanctuary with the deacon of the mass. 3. Follow the service using the service leaflet and the designated Book of Common Prayer (red book) and hymnal. Left: The crucifer, followed by the torchbearers, leads the processional. Right: Pause for three seconds at the first level of the sanctuary before placing torches and processional cross in their proper 4. For the reading of the Gospel, the priest or the deacon will give a sign to have the crucifer (without the processional cross) and torchbearers assemble abreast facing the altar on the first level of the sanctuary (see next page for pictures). The deacon will pick up the Gospel book. When the deacon turns toward the congregation, turn around and walk halfway down the aisle (about 6 pews). At that point, stop, turn around and be ready to hold the Gospel book. 5. Once the Gospel has been read, the deacon will step aside allowing the crucifer to lead the torchbearers back to the sanctuary. They will stop again and line up abreast on the first level as before. Only the crucifer will reverence the cross and then all proceed to their seats with the torchbearers placing the torches in their stands (see pictures on next page). 7
Figure 2 (top): Wait to hold the Gospel. Figure 3: Hold Gospel for the reader. Figure 1: The priest or deacon will pick up the gospel, raising it above their head. Figure 5: Return to Sanctuary after the Gospel reading is finished Figure 4: The priest or deacon reads the Gospel. 8
7. At the passing of the peace, the server and torchbearers should stay in the sanctuary and pass the peace; if they choose to leave, they should return to the sanctuary before the priest. 8. At the offertory, go to the railing to receive the elements; one or both torchbearers should retrieve the food basket with collection plates and take it to the Epistle side of the sanctuary railing (Figure 6). 9. Once the elements are received, give them to the deacon from behind the altar. (The server may open the Gospel side drawer and squirt a small amount of hand sanitizer on the deacon s and her/his own hands at this time.) Figure 6 (right): The torchbearers will give offering plates to the ushers and remain at the sanctuary railing to receive food donations. Figure 7 (left): Inside of ambry where extra consecrated elements are stored. 10. Retrieve the ambry key from the Gospel side drawer and open the ambry (Figure 7). Remove the ciborium and cruet of blessed wine and place them on the altar for the deacon. 11. The server helps the deacon by handing over the wafers & wine in that order. (Usually the deacon has already estimated the wafers needed.) If the deacon wishes to add water, that is given last. 12. Take the lavabo from the drawer on the left hand side, put the towel on the left wrist and the water in the right hand (if the server is left-handed, the hands are reversed). Pour water over the hands of the celebrant, say amen after the prayer, and bow slightly to the celebrant before placing the lavabo, towel and water container back in the drawer. Above: Photo of the Gospel side drawer in which the ambry key, hand sanitizer, extra wafers, lavabo bowel, and extra purificators are all located. Be sure to familiarize yourself with all of these items so that you are able to locate them quickly when needed. Left: Pour water over the hands of the celebrant. Say amen and bow to the celebrant after the prayer before place items back in drawer. Left: Chalice, paten, and purificator used during communion. 9
15. During the Great Thanksgiving, follow the service in the designated Book of Common Prayer. Where there are stars marked in the liturgy, ring the bells once for each star (Figure 8). (In Lent the bells are not used.) 16. At the time of the Eucharist, those in the sanctuary receive communion first with or without intinction. 17. During communion, keep track of the wine level in the chalices, so if more wine is needed, it can be accomplished seamlessly. If the chalice ministers needs a new purificator, it is in the Gospel side drawer. 18. At the conclusion of the Eucharist, return the ciborium and cruet of blessed wine to the ambry, lock it, and return the key to the drawer. 19. At the conclusion of the service, on the sign from the priest, the crucifer, with processional cross, and torchbearers, with torches, assemble abreast facing the altar on the first level, turn and process down the aisle at a dignified pace. They then wait in the narthex for the priest who will give a closing prayer. Figure 8: The bell next to the acolyte chair which is rung during the Great Thanksgiving. 20. Return the processional cross to the sanctuary. In the sacristy, remove your cassock, cotta, and cross and hang them in the closet. ABSENCE If you know that you are not going to able to attend an assigned service, please call someone to get a substitute and then let the parish administrator, acolyte warden, and scheduler know who is replacing you. Please make these arrangements by the Wednesday prior to your assignment. THINGS TO KNOW The ciborium contains consecrated wafers and is in the ambry with a cruet of consecrated wine. A vested chalice is in place on the retable (shelf behind the altar). The corporal is in the burse. The paschal candle, when used, goes on the Gospel side next to the front corner of the altar. 10
PROCESSIONAL DIAGRAMS (NORMAL 10:15 AM) TORCH CRUCIFER CHOIR TORCH CLERGY - (BAPTISMS OR SPECIAL SERVICES) VERGER OR THURIFER TORCH CRUCIFER CHOIR CLERGY* TORCH *It is possible a second crucifer could be inserted in front of the clergy. GENERAL COMMENTS Black closed-toe shoes are preferred; sandals are OK (but not always) and no sneakers. No food or gum should be in the sanctuary; water is OK if it is in place before the service. Follow the service in the prayer book and hymnal. Sing along to all hymns and look at all speakers. Kneel straight-backed just like when you stand. When moving around, walk slowly and with dignity at all times. When walking without holding any object, clasp hands in front of the waist. When carrying the cross, the upper arm should be horizontal and, if possible, the hand inverted. Extra unblessed wine is kept in the Gospel side drawer. It must be blessed see page 408 of the Book of Common Prayer. If more wine is needed, it is stored in the cabinet under the sink in the sacristy. If a second new purificator is needed, they are stored in upper shelf of the lower cabinet to the right of the sink in the sacristy. If a chalice minister has to remove something from the chalice wine, a spoon is kept in the Epistle side drawer. Have fun serving in God s house! 11
TORCHBEARER FOR RITE II ROLE To be an acolyte, first of all, is an opportunity to be a servant to God. It is through service, prayer and attitude that an acolyte worships God. The acolyte assists the clergy, especially the celebrant and deacon of the mass. To best carry out these duties, an acolyte must be observant and helpful, if needed, but out of the way if not needed. ATTIRE Acolytes at St. Gabriels wear a black cassock, white cotta and a cross. The cassock and cotta are in the large closet in the sacristy. Find the size of both garments that fit best and remember them to make getting properly attired easy in the future. A cross to go around your neck can be found on inside of the left acolyte garment closet. If you own a cross of the same size, you may wear it. ARRIVAL TIME It is best to be in the sacristy 15 minutes before the service so the clergy/verger, know that all acolytes are present. This allows time to: be properly attired be able to retrieve the torches from the sanctuary, and learn about any unusual aspects of the service After a prayer by the priest or deacon, the altar party goes to the narthex. SERVICE While waiting in the narthex for the procession to begin, position yourselves out of the way of parishioners still coming into the church. 1. Light the torches from the candles in the narthex using a wick which should be on the candle holder (Figures 9-11). 2. Agree on the height of the torches by facing each other so they will be the same height during all service processions (The two torchbearers should match the height of the shorter torchbearer.). 3. When the first hymn music begins, line up one step behind the crucifer and process in at a dignified pace to the sanctuary. Figure 9: Light torches with candles in narthex. If no candle is lit, use the matches near by to light one. Figures 10 & 11: Each torchbearer should light his or her own candle using the wick located near the candles in the narthex. 12
Figure 12 Figure 13 4. Stop and stand abreast with the crucifer for three seconds in front the altar on the first level of the sanctuary (Figure 12) then proceed to place the torches and processional cross in the appointed stands (Figure 13). 5. The crucifer and one torchbearer will sit on the Gospel side and the other torchbearer will sit on the Epistle side of the sanctuary with the deacon of the mass. 6. Follow the service by checking the service leaflet and using the Book of Common Prayer and hymnal. Please follow the action by looking at whomever is speaking (priest, deacon, lector, intercessor, etc.) Gospel Side Epistle Side Celebrant Torchbearer #1 Crucifer Torchbearer #2 Deacon 13
Figure 14: Torchbearers (with torches) stand facing the altar, behind crucifer, and wait for deacon. Above: The torchbearers stand on either side of the Gospel while it is being read. They should look closely to make sure that they are lined up with one another and centered between the reader and the crucifer. 7. For the reading of the Gospel, the priest or the deacon will give a sign to have the crucifer (without the cross) and torchbearers (with torches) assemble abreast facing the altar on the first level of the sanctuary. The deacon will pick up the Gospel book (Figure 14). When the deacon turns toward the congregation, the crucifer and torchbearers turn around and proceed down halfway down the aisle. The crucifer will stop, turn around to be ready to hold the Gospel book. The torch bearers will stop one row back from the crucifer and rest the torches on their foot while facing the aisle. 8. Once the Gospel has been read, the deacon will step aside allowing the crucifer to lead the torchbearers back to the sanctuary (Figure 15). They will stop again and line up abreast on the first level as before. Only the crucifer will bow to the cross and then all will proceed to their seats with the torchbearers placing the torches in their stands. Figure 15 14
9. At the passing of the peace, the server and torchbearers should stay in the sanctuary and pass the peace; if they choose to leave, they should return to the sanctuary before the priest. 10. At the offertory, when the server goes to the railing to receive the elements, the acolyte on the Epistle side should retrieve the food basket with collection plates and take and rest it on the middle -Epistle side of the sanctuary railing (Figure 16). The acolyte on the Gospel side may stand at the basket as well. Figure 16 11. After the server receives the collection plates, turn toward the altar with the basket and stand until the priest has blessed the collection plates and basket food. Place the basket in front of the altar on the Epistle side and return to your seats. 12. At the time of Eucharist, those in the sanctuary receive communion first, with or without intinction. 13. At the conclusion of the service, on the sign from the priest, the crucifer, with cross and torchbearers with torches, assemble abreast facing the altar on the first level, turn and process down the aisle at a dignified pace (Figure17). 14. Wait in the narthex for the priest who will give a closing prayer. Figure 17 15. Return the torches to their stands and remove your cassock, cotta and cross then in the sacristy hang them in the closet. 15
GENERAL COMMENTS Black closed-to shoes are preferred; sandals are OK (but not always) and no sneakers. No food or gum should be in the sanctuary; water is OK if it is in place before the service. Don t fidget or play with your cross while in the sanctuary. Follow the service in the prayer book and hymnal. Sing all hymns and look at who is speaking with your head up. Please don t put your feet on the kneelers. Kneel straight-backed just like when you stand. When moving around, walk slowly and with dignity at all times. When walking without holding any object, clasp hands in front of the waist. Talk very quietly, if at all, during communion. When carrying the torch, the upper arm on the outside facing the congregation should be horizontal. Always keep the torch straight and upright. This is so no oil leaks out and it looks respectful. Never bow when holding torch; it must be upright at all times. After the procession out at the service s end, wait for the clergy s closing prayer. At the end of the service, be sure the torches are snuffed. Have fun serving in God s house! ABSENCE If you know that you are not going to able to attend an assigned service, please call someone to get a substitute and then let the parish administrator, acolyte warden, and scheduler know who is replacing you. Please make these arrangements by the Wednesday prior to your assignment. 16
ACOLYTE AND SERVER FOR RITE I 1. Please be in the sacristy at least 15 minutes before the service. 2. After dressing in a white robe or a black cassock and white cotta, proceed to light the candles: After lighting your taper, proceed to the sanctuary and bow to the cross. Light the Epistle side altar candle first; bow to the cross and then light the Gospel side altar candle. Proceed to light the three Gospel side retable candles lighting them from the inside and moving out; do the same for the Epistle side candles. After extinguishing your taper, proceed to the front of the altar, bow to the cross and return to the sacristy. 3. Enter the sanctuary from the sacristy leading the altar party. Bow to the cross and then proceed to the inner Gospel side chair. 4. Follow the service in the Book of Common Prayer. 5. At the peace, greet others, but return to the sanctuary early to be ready for the offertory. 6. After offertory is announced, go to the opening in the railing at the first riser and receive the elements from the ushers. If the paschal candle is present, light it first or if it is present and already lit, light your taper from it! 7. Bring the wafers and wine to the deacon by going behind the altar. Remove the wafer container lid and place it to the side of the table; remove the top of the wine cruet and place it in the Epistle side drawer next to the key in the corner. (You may squirt your and the deacon s hands with hand sanitizer at this point.) 8. After the deacon empties the wafers into a bowl, receive the wafer container with the nondominant hand and hand the wine cruet to the deacon with the dominant hand. 9. Place the empty wafer container back in the drawer. 10. Prepare to wash the hands of the celebrant: Put the towel from the drawer on the non-dominant wrist and hold the silver bowl in the same hand. With the dominant hand, hold the container of water. When the celebrant has her/his hands over the bowl, pour the water over them while a prayer is recited. Say Amen at the prayer s end. When the celebrant places the towel back on the wrist, bow. Place the bowl, towel and water container back in the drawer. Go to the rail opening to receive the collection plates. Turn and face the altar. After the doxology and/or blessing, place the plates on top of one another on the Gospel side of the altar. 17
11. Return to your chair, follow the service in the Book of Common Prayer, ringing the bells at the designated (starred) times. 12. At the time of communion, receive it standing and then go to the Epistle side drawer and get the key to the ambry. Go to the ambry and retrieve the blessed wine and the ciborium; place them on the altar. 13. Receive the chalice and purificator and dispense the wine of communion according to the Eucharistic minister s instructions. If you need more wine, replenish it in an appropriate amount. Use the recently blessed wine first. If more wine is needed, use the blessed wine from the ambry. If more wine is needed after that, retrieve the wine in the back of the Epistle side drawer and have it blessed by a priest (page 408 in the BCP or the altar book). If more wine is needed beyond that, obtain some wine from the supply in the sacristy under the sink. 14. When the communion is completed and any wafers or wine have been placed in the reserve containers, return the reserve wine cruet and the ciborium to the ambry and then return the key to the Epistle side drawer. 15. For the sending out Eucharistic Visitors, kneel or sit. 16. At the conclusion of the service, retrieve the taper/snuffer and extinguish the candles as you lit them starting at the retable and then the altar leaving the Epistle side candle to the end. 17. Exit through the sacristy door. ACOLYTE AND LECTOR FOR RITE I 1. Please be in the sacristy at least 10 minutes before the service. 2. Dress in a white gown or black cassock and white cotta. 3. Review the prayers of the people, so you are familiar with it and are sure about any unusual name pronunciations. 4. Enter the sanctuary last from the sacristy with the rest of the altar party. Bow to the cross and then proceed to the inner Epistle side chair. 5. Follow the service in the Book of Common Prayer. 6. Before the Nicene Creed is finished, be at the Epistle side lectern ready to read the prayers of the people. 7. At the peace, greet others, but return to the sanctuary early to be ready for the offertory. 8. After the offertory is announced, take the basket with the collection plates to the Epistle side of the railing opening. After the elements have been conveyed to the acolyte/server, hand the ushers their collection plates. 9. Stay at the railing with the basket, so parishioners may bring any food stuff to you. 10. After the Ushers bring up the collection plates, turn with the basket facing the altar. After the doxology and/or statement and blessing, place the basket in front of the altar on the Epistle Side and return to your chair. 11. Take communion standing with the rest of the altar party. 12. Receive your wine chalice and proceed to dispense the communion wine according to the Eucharistic minister s instructions. 13. At the conclusion of the service, exit through the sacristy door. 18
THURIFER PREPARATION 1. Prepare the thurible at least 20 minutes before its use. Be sure a cover is in place over the sacristy smoke detector. Cover part of the tile surface under the hood with foil so no pieces of the briquettes get into the grout. Be sure the thurible is cleaned out from previous use (stainless steel spoon or screw driver). Turn on the hood exhaust fan. Take two briquettes from the box in the drawer and break each up into 5-6 pieces; put half of them in the thurible and half in a non-combustible container. At least 10 minutes before use start burning in the briquettes with a lighter or the propane torch from the upper cabinet (they are self-starting.). Blow on them gently to enhance the burning. Close the thurible and leave it under the hood. 2. Be sure the boat has sufficient incense. If it does not, fill it from an incense container in the top cabinet drawer. 3. Complete your vesting after the above has been performed. PROCESSION 4. Approach the celebrant where the service begins (narthex or parish hall) with the boat/spoon and thurible chain ring in the left hand and the mid-chain in the right hand grasp. 5. Hand the celebrant the boat, pull up the top of the thurible with the left hand and present the open base to the celebrant so he/she may spoon some incense grains on the burning briquettes followed by a sign of the cross. (Be prepared to add the incense yourself if, for any reason, the celebrant is unable to do so; three or four spoonfuls is an appropriate amount.) 6. Close the thurible with the left hand and receive the boat from the celebrant. 7. To enhance the burning of the incense, swing the thurible with the right hand by bracing the right elbow against the right chest using motion in the right wrist. 8. Before leading the procession, stay away from the choir (some feel it will affect their singing ability) and smoke sensors; warn the crucifer to keep her/his distance so as not to be hit by the swinging thurible! 9. The thurifer faces the procession; bow when the singing begins, turn toward the altar and start processing. 10. Upon entering the sanctuary, bow to the cross and proceed to the sacristy. 19
11. If there is boat boy/girl, he/she walks slightly in front of the thurifer on the left side and the thurifer places the left hand on his/her shoulder. 12. Check the burning in the thurible, leave it under the hood or on the thurible stand as close to the hood as possible. 13. Return to the sanctuary and sit on the Epistle side with the deacon. GOSPEL 14. The thurifer usually does not process for the Gospel reading; but if it is requested, go to the sacristy between the first and second reading and ensure there is enough burning briquettes and incense or during the pre-reading song have the celebrant spoon some incense in the thurible as before. 15. Return to the nave standing a few feet in front of the first pew facing the altar. 16. When the deacon turns with the Gospel book, lead the party down the aisle, stopping at about the 7 th row. 17. With the book holder standing slightly to one side, hand the thurible to the deacon ring first. (Bow) 18. The deacon will cense the Gospel book and hand the thurible back. (Bow) 19. Once the Gospel is completed, the party will stand aside so the thurifer will pass by and lead them to the sanctuary and then exit to the sacristy as before. 20. Return to your seat discreetly. EUCHARIST 21. At time of the offertory, retrieve the thurible, after checking the burn (more briquette pieces may be needed), proceed to the sanctuary with it and the boat. 22. After the table has been set and before the celebrant washes her/his hands, approach her/him and handover the boat and raise the thurible top as before. 23. After the incense addition and sign of the cross, close the thurible. 24. Once the celebrant has placed the boat on the altar, or given it to associate clergy, hand over the thurible as before leading with the ring hand first. (Bow) 25. Step aside while the celebrant censes the altar. 26. Receive the thurible, bow, retrieve the boat and circle to the front of the altar in the middle. 27. Face the altar, bow, cense using two hands to your left two times, to your right two times and then to the center two times. (Bow) 28. Turn to the congregation, bow, cense to your left once, to your right once and to the center once. (Bow) 29. Exit to the sacristy, check to see whether the thurible needs more pieces of briquette, leave it as before and return to the sanctuary discreetly. 30. At the end of communion exit to the sacristy and check to ensure the briquettes are burning well; add and blow on the briquette pieces, if necessary. 20
PROCESSION 31. Add incense during the post-communion prayer. 32. When the processional exit hymn begins, come out of the sacristy, proceed to the nave floor a little in front of the first pew and turn facing the altar. 33. On the cue from the celebrant turn and proceed down the aisle to the narthex. CONCLUSION 34. After a concluding prayer in the narthex, go to the sacristy, and clean the thurible by emptying the briquettes and incense residue into the gallon paint can. 35. Leave the thurible on its stand, clean the area and put the sealed paint can outside the doors of the parish hall. 21