Acolyte

At one time there was a rank of minor clergy called the taper-bearer (κηροφόρος) responsible for bearing lights during processions and liturgical entrances.

[6] Ministries are conferred by the ordinary: either a bishop or the head of a similar territory or, in the case of clerical religious institutes, a major superior.

In particular, it is his responsibility to prepare the altar and the sacred vessels and, if it is necessary, as an extraordinary minister, to distribute the Eucharist to the faithful.

"[10] The General Instruction of the Roman Missal adds: "In the absence of an instituted acolyte, lay ministers may be deputed to serve at the altar and assist the priest and the deacon; they may carry the cross, the candles, the thurible, the bread, the wine, and the water, and they may also be deputed to distribute Holy Communion as extraordinary ministers.

"[11] However, some functions, in particular that of cleansing the Eucharistic vessels, are reserved for an instituted acolyte and are not entrusted to those deputed to assist in that way.

[13][14] Pope Benedict XVI spoke of Saint Tarcisius as "presumably an acolyte, that is, an altar server".

[15] Pope Francis changed canon law in January 2021 to allow female installed acolytes.

For example, the translation on the Vatican's website of the 2019 Motu Proprio Aperuit illis – Instituting the Sunday of the Word of God has "Bishops could celebrate the Rite of Installation of Lectors or a similar commissioning of readers …".

"[20][19] Acolytes typically wear albs and the cincture used may reflect the colour of the liturgical season in the Christian kalendar.

[19] The order of acolyte was not initially retained with Anglicanism during the English Reformation[22] therefore there is no definition of their role in the Book of Common Prayer 1662.

An acolyte can assist in worship by carrying a processional cross, lighting candles, holding the Gospel book, holding candles or "torches", assisting a deacon or priest prepare and clean the altar, swinging a censer or thurible[24] (also being named the thurifer) or carrying the incense boat, handing the offering plates to ushers, and many other tasks as seen fit by the priest or acolyte warden.

In the Methodist tradition, acolytes may participate in the worship service by carrying a processional cross or crucifix (these acolytes are called crucifers), lighting and extinguishing the altar candles, and ringing the church bell to call the congregation to worship.