The ministry of acolyte is one of the oldest ministries in the church and one of the most well known beside that of bishop and priest. Acolytes are the assistants of the deacons who in turn are the assistants of the bishops.

The acolyte leads the way for the celebrant and others into the church at the beginning of the mass or office. This is done by the acolyte being the thurifer, carrying the thurible, the crucifer, a torchbearer, carrying the readings or the Bible, or simply by leading the procession. The acolyte assists the deacon or celebrant in setting the table for the Eucharist, holds the altar book, turns pages and points to the correct line. The acolyte receives the offerings of the people in the place of the deacon. Acolytes provide assistance to the celebrant in the washing of hands, ringing the Sanctus bell, swinging the thurible and cleaning up the table after the Eucharist. When it is over, the acolyte leads the whole ministry from the sanctuary out of the church.

While doing all of this, the acolyte is also part of the people praying and responding and performing the liturgy of the mass or office.

Many thanks go to the acolytes who assist at the services each Sunday. If you are interested in becoming an acolyte, please call the church office at (301) 627-8469.