The mission of the Acolytes Guild is to assist the clergy as needed in the ministration of the worship services at Grace Episcopal Church. This concept goes back to the time of the Old Testament. The goals of the Acolytes Guild are to serve those worshiping at Grace Church and to assist in forming the faith of the youth who serve in the Acolytes Guild.
Approximately 30 youth and young adults are members of the Acolytes Guild. They serve on a rotating basis (generally once a month) throughout the year. Acolytes begin serving in the fifth grade and serve on a regular basis until they graduate from high school. Acolytes often continue to serve while they attend college and serve at special services over Christmas and Easter and otherwise as needed.The Acolytes Guild includes five (5) adult supervisors, each assigned to one of the five teams.
When acolytes join the Guild, they begin by carrying candles in processions and during the recessional, and in lighting and extinguishing the candles. As they become more experienced, acolytes assist in carrying banners, distributing alms basons and collecting the offering from the ushers, carrying the Gospel Book in procession, assisting in the preparation of the preparation of the Table, and assisting during the ministration of Communion as needed. The senior acolyte on each team coordinates acolyte assignments for the team once the service begins and provides guidance to younger acolytes during the service.