St. Francis Episcopal Church

 

CRUCIFER CARRYING THE CROSS

LEADING THE ACOLYTES

 

ACOLYTES SERVED IN THE 

CHURCH CONSECRATION

ACOLYTE

As a brief history,, acolytes are mentioned in Cyprian's writings. They assisted deacons or subdeacons at the preparation of the table. Later they carried candles in processions. In Rome they carried fragments of the bread consecrated at the papal Mass to other churches.

In the late middle ages, when candles began to appear upon altars, they lighted the altar candles. Eventually lay servers or sacristans performed duties earlier associated with acolytes, and the order of acolyte was normally conferred upon a candidate for priesthood in the course of his training.

In the later nineteenth century duties were largely taken over by lay "acolytes" and sacristans or altar guilds.

 

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CRUCIFER

  Crucifer comes from the

Latin term

"Crucufer" (cross-bearer)

from "crux" (cross) +fero {I carry, bear).

 

 

 

 

 

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THURIFER

 

The server or acolyte who carries and

swings the  thurible, the incense container,

which holds the incense that will be used

during the Eucharist and other liturgies.

Additionally, the Thurifer, the celebrant,

the deacon or other ministers may use

the thurible in the ceremonial censing

of people or objects, such as the gospel

book or the altar.

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 Pat Gautreaux helps a young

acolyte light the candles.