Currently, the acolyte program at St Francis Episcopal Church consists of one 63-year-old acolyte, but is poised to expand when anyone 10-years-old or older shows an interest in serving in this ministry.  One does not have to be a child or youth to be an acolyte.  All that is required is a desire to become more involved in the worship service, and to gain a deeper understanding of why we do what we do.

This is a ministry of the small tasks that help the service proceed without hiccups or delays because something is not in the right place.  It is a job that can be done by anyone who can walk without assistance, and is very satisfying when a service proceeds without issue.  When there are issues, it is good to be able to improvise on the spur of the moment, with the advice and consent of the Celebrant and/or Deacon.

The current acolyte is in discernment, and will, prior to leaving for that ministry, prepare two Books of Common Prayer with cues for the future acolytes, and will write a detailed instructional paper for future acolytes and for lay readers who may have to assume these duties until there is another acolyte.The duties of the acolyte(s) include:  lighting the candles prior to the service, carrying the cross (and possibly candle sconces) in the procession, receiving the bread and wine and handing them to the Deacon, handing the holy water to the Deacon, performing the ablutions for the primary Celebrant, ringing bells on high holy days and during certain seasons, preparing and carrying incense for Christmas Eve, carrying the cross (and possibly candle sconces) for the gospel procession, helping to clear the table after eucharist, extinguishing the candles after eucharist, and carrying the cross (and possibly candle sconces) at the end of the service.  If the number of acolytes gets to four or more, carrying the church banner for the processional and recessional may be included on high holy days