SERVICES SUNDAY AT 10:30 AM 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a traditional church plan. You might notice that our church looks slightly different from this – we have side aisles as well as a main aisle, for one thing, and the area behind the altar (the apse) serves as our sacristy, but the basic plan is the same.

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Note the way we refer to the two sides of the church: Gospel side and Epistle side. The best way to remember it is, the Gospel side is the side where we place the Gospel on the altar! If you look at the compass at the top left, you will see that it’s oriented with the church “pointing” east, because that is the traditional way that churches were constructed – facing east, symbolically awaiting the coming of our Lord. So today, even a church that doesn’t face east (like ours) is still treated like it does, with the transept to the left of the altar called the “north transept” and the one to the right of the altar called the “south transept,” just as if the altar were actually facing east.

 

Important Vocabulary To Know:

Altar-rail = where the congregation kneels to receive communion

Altar-gate = the opening in the altar-rail that allows the altar party to access the altar stairs

Altar stairs = stairs leading up to the altar

Credence table = this is the small table on the Gospel side of the sanctuary that holds the implements for Holy Communion. It serves as a sport of “preparation table” for the altar.

Dais = the single platform that the altar rests on

Nave = the main part of the church, where the congregation sits

Narthex = the vestibule/entryway of the church

Sanctuary = the area surrounding the altar

Screen wall = this is the area behind the altar, in the passageway that leads to the sacristy.

Tabernacle = this is directly beneath the cross, and holds the reserved sacrament. It is the holiest place in the church, because the presence of Jesus rests there. When we bow toward the altar, we are actually bowing to the tabernacle. (That’s why on Good Friday, we don’t bow to the altar – there is an empty tabernacle behind it.)

Transept = the cross-section of the church

 

General Rules

When you are vested and serving at the altar, always move in an unhurried, deliberate, and dignified manner. Did you just mess something up? Not a problem! No one will notice if you just move slowly and with dignity.

 

If you approach the altar, always bow to the altar.  The exception is if you are holding something holy – a cross, the Gospel book, or a chalice. General rules of bowing: bow at the altar gate when entering or leaving the sanctuary. If you are Gospel bearer or candle lighter/extinguisher, bow from just below the altar dais when approaching and leaving the altar.

 

Do not approach the altar from the front, unless you are the Gospel bearer or candle lighter/extinguisher. Always approach the altar from the sides.

 

Reflect the posture of the priest. If the priest is standing, you should stand. If the priest is sitting, you should sit. If the priest is kneeling, you should kneel.

 

If you are standing at the altar, you are visible to the congregation. Your body should reflect an attitude of prayer and reverence, so try to keep fidgeting to a minimum. Your hands should be in one of three positions: at your sides, clasped in front of you, or in “prayer hands” position (palms together, hands at chest level.) You will notice that at the altar, unless doing something with her hands, the priest is in “prayer hands.”

 

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So What Does An Acolyte Do?

Know your duties and be confident in your abilities. Do not worry about mistakes–they are bound to happen! The secret is to always act as if everything you do is supposed to happen that way and most people will never know whether a mistake was made or not. Your responsibilities include:

 

• serving when assigned and being prompt.

• helping to get the church ready for worship (e.g., lighting candles).

• understanding the different parts of a worship service; knowing what is supposed to happen and when.

• knowing the specific responsibilities of the assigned position (e.g., crucifer, Gospeller).

• performing actions carefully and with reverence.

• maintaining a neat appearance.

• helping lead the congregation in worship by joining in prayers, singing, kneeling or standing at appropriate times.

 

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Liturgical Customary for Acolytes

 

 

1. Preparation

There are two levels of acolytes, based on level of experience, not age. Acolyte I (the senior acolyte) is the processional crucifer and altar assistant. Acolyte II (the junior acolyte) is the Gospeller and extinguisher. After some time spent serving as junior acolyte, Acolyte II can also serve as Acolyte I.

 

Both are vested the same: black cassock with white cotta (found in vesting room on second floor of the Parish House), with a wooden cross. Vestments remind us of the garments worn by Jesus and the apostles and should be treated with respect. Make sure your robe is not torn or soiled and always hang it up after a service. As you put on your vestments, you should focus on the job you have to do; remember that you are a worship leader, and act accordingly.

 

The cassock should be neatly buttoned, and should cover your ankles. Ideally, a cassock should touch the tops of your shoes. Your shoes should be dark in color and should not pull focus or be noticeable.

 

If you need to enter the sanctuary and sacristy after you are vested, use the side aisles, so that the main aisle is reserved for the procession.

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     2. Candle Lighting (refer to the "How to Light Altar Candles" video here)

The candles should be lit no later than ten minutes before the start of the service. Either acolyte may light the candles. Since this job will usually fall to the first one vested and ready, it is important that both Acolyte I and Acolyte II know how to light and extinguish candles!

 

Use a lighter to light the brass taper snuffer. (Its fancy name is an emunctorium if that is the sort of thing you like to know.) Make sure there is enough of the wick (the white tip) showing by pressing the lever up, and if there is not enough wick, ask someone for help. When you emerge from the sacristy, stand first in front of the altar, below the altar dais. Bow to the altar, then step up on the dais to light.

 

                 a. Altar candles

                  Light right side first, then left.

 

                   Step off the altar dais, then bow. Now go to the RIGHT side of the tabernacle.

 

                 b. Candelabra

                  Light the right side first, from the INSIDE OUT. So you are starting closest to the tabernacle, like the light of                        Christ slowly spreading outward.

 

                 Go back in front of the altar, bow, and go to the left side of the tabernacle. Light those candles in the same way                   as the other side – from the inside out.

 

                  Do NOT cross in front of the tabernacle, but go directly to the lectern.

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                c. Lectern

                 Light the pulpit side first, and then the piano side.

 

When you have finished, stop in front of the altar. Make a solemn bow (below the altar dais) and return the lighter to the screen wall.

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So the motion of lighting always is: RIGHT → LEFT, INSIDE → OUTSIDE. And altar candles are always lit first! (To help you remember to start with the right, remember that “light” rhymes with “right.” Light the right! To help you remember the order of both lighting and extinguishing, remember ACL – altar, candelabra, lectern. Always be careful when lighting, and don’t tear your ACL!!)

 

As you leave the sanctuary after lighting, remember to bow at the altar gate and go to the narthex by a side aisle.

 

3. Procession

Be in the narthex and ready to go by 10:15. A minute or so before the service, the priest will gather the altar party for prayer. The order of procession on an ordinary Sunday will be:

 

Acolyte I (Crucifer)

 

Eucharistic Ministers (processing side by side)

 

Acolyte II (Gospeller)

 

Priest

 

The procession does not begin until the congregational singing has started. When you process, walk at a stately and unhurried pace. A good rule of thumb is to wait until the person ahead of you has made it past the baptismal font before you start processing.

 

At the altar gate (the gap between the altar rails), all will pause and bow to the altar, EXCEPT for the crucifer, who does not bow. Acolyte I goes to the Gospel side; Acolyte II goes to the Epistle side. Once you are in the sanctuary area, take your place at the servers’ pew. Acolytes are positioned closest to the sacristy, with Eucharistic Ministers sitting closer to the congregation. Do NOT sit, but remain standing. You will sit when the priest does.​

 

4. Gospel Procession (refer to the "Processing the Gospel Book" video here)

At the start of the Sequence Hymn, Acolyte I goes to the screen wall and fetches the crucifix. The crucifix is taken to the altar gate. The crucifer faces the altar and waits until Acolyte  II fetches the Gospel Book. Acolyte II waits until the second verse of the Sequence Hymn has begun, then moves toward the Altar to remove the Gospel book. The Gospel book should be facing outward, and lifted high. Acolyte II moves at an unhurried pace down the center of the altar stairs, following Acolyte I, and stops about two pews behind the crucifer. The priest will be following behind Acolyte II.

 

When you are about a third of the way down, turn and hold the Gospel book for the priest, who will open the Gospel and read. Keep the book nice and steady. The priest will take the Gospel at the end and raise it, then hand it back to you. Process back up the altar stairs in the center, leading the priest, and put the Gospel in its place on the altar.

 

Bow to the altar, then return to your pew.

 

5. Offertory and Preparation

Acolyte I is the chief assistant in the preparation and clearing of the altar. After the priest says the Offertory sentence, Acolyte I rises. Acolyte I now hands the brass offering plates resting below the credence table to the ushers, who come forward to receive them. The priest will then hand the burse and veil to Acolyte I, who places them on the credence table. Acolyte I hands the cruet of water to the priest, in preparation for the wine.

 

Acolyte II goes to the front of the altar, bows to the altar, and takes the Gospel book to the credence table. Acolyte II returns by the sacristy passageway.

 

At the Presentation hymn, all rise. Acolyte I and Acolyte II go forward together to the bottom altar stair. Acolyte I receives the offering plates. Acolyte II receives the bread and wine. Both go to their respective sides  and wait for the priest. The priest will first take the offering plates, elevate them, and hand them back to Acolyte I. Next the priest will take the bread and wine from Acolyte II.

 

When the priest has finished preparing the holy gifts, the cruet of water will be handed back to Acolyte I. The priest will step to the side for the washing of hands. Acolyte I holds the pewter basin underneath the priest’s hands and pours some water from the pitcher over the priest’s hands. The lavabo towel should be draped on the arm of Acolyte I, and the priest will use that towel to dry her hands.

 

6. Holy Communion

Acolyte II remains standing throughout the Eucharistic prayers. Acolyte I kneels beside the bell after the Sanctus and from that point on follows the instructions that are printed in the book.

 

When ringing the bell, remember that the bell rings at a motion or a word. At the Sanctus, the bell rings three times: once for the first “holy,” once for the second “Holy,” and once for the final “Holy.” Ring loud and proud!

 

After the Fraction (when the priest breaks the Bread and everyone responds “Therefore let us keep the feast”)  Acolyte I rises. When the “Lamb of God” begins, Acolyte I brings the extra chalice and purificator from the credence table to the side of the altar, where the priest will receive it.

 

Acolytes stand to receive Holy Communion. After receiving communion, Acolyte I will be handed the gluten-free jar of hosts from the tabernacle. Acolyte II will be handed the jar of regular hosts. Both acolytes follow the Eucharistic Ministers and take their places at the bottom step of the altar stairs, on either side by the hand-rails, ready to re-supply the priest as needed.

 

After everyone has received communion, the priest and Eucharistic Ministers will return to the altar first. Acolytes will follow, and will stand on either side of the altar holding the jars with the hosts. The priest will receive the jars and return them to the tabernacle.

 

Acolyte I assists in clearing the altar: paten, ciborium, corporal, and purificators. The priest will place everything that needs to be cleared on the corner of the altar so it can be taken to the credence table. When everything has been cleared, Acolyte I holds the basin for the priest again so that she can remove any particles of the host from her fingers.

 

7. Recession

When the organist starts to play the final hymn, Acolyte I goes to the sacristy passageway to retrieve the cross. Acolyte I  goes to the altar gate and remains facing the altar until the singing begins. At this point, Acolyte I turns around to face the congregation, and leads the procession to the back of the nave.

 

Acolyte II does NOT follow the procession, but as soon as everyone has left the sanctuary, Acolyte II goes to the screen wall and fetches the taper snuffer. Acolyte II then stands at their place, ready to extinguish the candles as soon as the final blessing has been pronounced (see Section 8 below.)

 

The order of procession is:

 

Crucifer (Acolyte I)

 

Eucharistic Ministers (processing side by side)

 

Priest

 

Remember to move at a dignified, unhurried pace down the aisle, with three pews in between you and the person in front of you.

 

8. Extinguishing Candles (refer to the "How to Extinguish Altar Candles" video here)

Candles are extinguished in this order:

 

               a. Altar candles (LEFT first, then RIGHT - the reverse of how you lit them! You can remember this because                     “left” and “leave” start with L, and we extinguish from the left when we are leaving the church.)

 

               b. Candelabra (Left side first this time, because the Gospel side never burns alone! Then LEFT→ RIGHT,                     OUTSIDE → INSIDE. The light ebbs like the slow dying of light from the center, so this time move from the                     outside toward the inside.

 

               c. Lectern candles (piano side, then pulpit side.) The rule is ACL, just like lighting!

 

Bow to the altar before you return the snuffer to the screen wall, and then you are done! Remember to bow at the altar gate when you are leaving the sanctuary, and depart by a side aisle.

 

Returning of the cross: the cross goes back to its place on the screen wall, going up the side aisles. Remember that you do NOT bow when you are carrying the cross, but you DO bow at the altar gate before you leave the sanctuary on your way back!