Acolytes at Grace Church

Calling all youth to participate in an important part of the worship service

The youth at Grace Church have an opportunity to become a very important part of the worship service.  Each week three (and sometimes four) students assist Reverend Shariya as crucifers, torchbearers, and Gospel Bearers.

      The word acolyte comes from the Greek word akolouthos, meaning companion, attendant, or helper.  The Acolyte ministry has its roots in the Old Testament of the Holy Bible, where the prophet Samuel is seen assisting Eli, the Levite priest, and Elisha is seen assisting Elijah the Prophet

      Grace Church acolytes begin their training as a torchbearer, whose responsibilities include lighting the altar candles before the service, carrying the torches during the processional, gradual hymn, and recessional.  They also put out the altar candles at the end of the service. 

      The crucifer also assists the celebrant by carrying the cross during the processional, the gradual hymn, and the recessional.  The crucifer’s primary job is to help the celebrant at the altar by assisting the celebrant as he/she prepares for communion.  The crucifer stays ready to help with needs as they arise.

      The Gospel Bearer is a new position at Grace.  The person assigned with this responsibility carries the Gospel for the celebrant.

      We currently have four crucifers and eight torchbearers.  These youth are faithful in their service to Grace Church.  We are always in need of new servers who would help with our service.  There will be training days scheduled soon.  Grace Church will be training youth from third grade and up.  The acolyte directors are Cathy Libey and Rebecca Pisano.  We welcome all faithful volunteers that would like to assist in the worship at our church.