What is an acolyte?

Answer

An acolyte is a non-ordained individual in the Roman Catholic Church who assists in the conduct of worship services by lighting candles and performing other tasks. The Anglican Church also employs acolytes to support their clergy in the various rituals of the service.

The term acolyte originates from the Greek word akolouthos, which means “follower” or “attendant.” Previously considered one of the minor orders of the Roman Catholic clergy, an acolyte was traditionally a candidate for the priesthood who aided the priests and bishops in their duties.

In the Catholic Church, leadership positions are referred to as “orders.” The principal orders of the church are deacon, priest, and bishop, while the minor orders initially consisted of lector (reader), porter (doorkeeper), exorcist, and acolyte. The minor orders of the clergy were established in the third century, likely by Pope Fabian, with acolyte being the highest minor order through which a man progressed towards ordination as a Catholic priest.

As early as the third century, Roman Catholic bishops employed acolytes as personal assistants and messengers who delivered their letters, messages, and gifts. During the Middle Ages, acolytes began to take on more liturgical responsibilities, such as overseeing altar lights and Eucharistic elements.

Today, an acolyte no longer needs to be a potential priest candidate. When Pope Paul VI reorganized the church’s orders in 1972, lay individuals were permitted to serve as acolytes. The revisions eliminated the positions of exorcist and porter, designating the roles of lector and acolyte as “ministries” rather than “orders.” Acolyte still holds the highest rank among these two lesser ministries in the Roman Catholic Church. Presently, an acolyte’s tasks include preparing the Eucharist elements, carrying processional crosses and candles, and lighting candles for the Mass. An acolyte may also assist in distributing communion as an auxiliary minister during Mass and to the ill.

In the Catholic Church, acolytes are typically men, but some acolyte responsibilities may be assigned to women.

The Bible does not mention an order of acolytes. Scripture only recognizes two offices in the church: elders (also known as pastors or bishops) and deacons. Eastern Orthodox churches have never officially established the role of acolyte. The nearest equivalent to an acolyte in Eastern churches is an altar server or altar boy. In Anglican and Episcopal churches, altar servers are commonly referred to as acolytes. Methodist and Lutheran churches also utilize altar servers, acolytes, and crucifers to support the clergy. In denominations that employ altar servers and acolytes, the duties are typically open to men, women, and children, although usually not younger than ten years old.