Guidelines for Assisting During the Service

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church

ST. MATTHEW’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Spartanburg, South Carolina

GUIDELINES FOR ASSISTING DURING THE SERVICE

February 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TopicPage

For All Roles ...... 3

Role of the Acolyte (Torch Bearer) ...... 4

Role of the Crucifer ...... 6

Role of the Eucharistic Minister, non-vested . . . . 11

Role of the Eucharistic Minister, Vested (VEM) . . . 14

Role of the Lector (reader and prayer leader) . . . . 18

Glossary ...... 21

Introduction

Service as an Acolyte, Crucifer, Eucharistic Minister, Lector, or Prayer Leader is a ministry fulfilled by lay members of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church. These special roles provide an opportunity for parishioners to assist in the conduct of the service each week, and to engage in the unique blessings of enabling individuals in our church family to partake of the Blood and Body of our Lord Jesus.

Training is provided for each of these roles, and license by the Diocese is required to serve as a Eucharistic Minister. The guidelines that follow are intended to serve as an outline of duties for each position, and as a checklist reminder for those who have been recently trained but who are not comfortable in their role yet.

For All Roles

All individuals who serve in one of these roles must be baptized.

Provide your dates of availability to the designated individual compiling the Server schedulepromptly when requested.

Individuals are scheduled to serve at either the 9:00 am or the 11:15 am service, based on their expressed preference, but flexibility is encouraged!

As soon as the schedule for the following month(s) is emailed to you, review the assignments, mark your calendar, and immediately let the individual compiling the schedule know if there is a conflict.

If you discover later that you will be unable to serve on a date scheduled, seek a replacement from the list of approved servers that is provided. Let the scheduler know the name of the substitute that you secured. If the replacement is made by the Wednesday immediately preceding the scheduled service date, let the church administrator know, as well, so that the bulletin can reflect the correct assignments.

If you are ill or unable to find a replacement, let the scheduler know as soon as possible.

Be sure to familiarize yourself with the order of the service, and when your duties occur so that worship proceeds smoothly.

Immediately before the opening Choral Prelude, the Priests, Vested Eucharistic Minister, Crucifer, Acolytes, and Choir join together in prayer in the narthex, just outside the main doors into the sanctuary.

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Acolyte (Torch Bearer)

When selecting your attire for the day, consider that the alb (robe) is warm, and dress accordingly. However, parishioners can see through some of the albs, so bold prints or shorts are inappropriate attire, even in the summer.

Arrive 20 minutes prior to the service to vest in the music room. Albs hang in the far right corner. Albs are worn with a cincture (rope-like belt); and a cross (your own, or one hanging with the robes.) Select an alb that is long enough to reach a few inches above your ankles, and a cincture that will comfortably circle your waist twice and hang down one side to near your knees. (An easy test for length is to double the cincture and hold it in front of you; it should be about your height.)

Acolytes should wear hooded albs whenever possible. The attire of the two Acolytes should be the same: either both wear hooded albs (preferred) or both wear non-hooded albs.

Select a wooden cross hanging near the cinctures. The crosses worn by the two Acolytes should be as similar as possible.

(NOTE: Donning the alb and tying the cincture can be tricky! Consider practicing once with an experienced assistant before your first vested assignment. See the diagram for tying the cincture, at the end of these guidelines.)

Before the service, the torch(es) are taken from the right side holder (right side when facing the chancel) and moved to just outside the main sanctuary doors, in preparation for the processional. (Note: The “chancel” is the raised wooden platform at the front of the nave, where the congregation sits. The chancel contains the Altar, Lectern, seats for the Priests, Crucifer, Acolytes, and the Choir.)

Entrance Procession: During the processional, Acolytes follow behind the Crucifer; two acolytes process side-by-side. Walk at a slow, reverent pace. Pause at the end of the middle aisle. (NOTE: Do not bow – reverence – whenever you are carrying anything.) Acolytes and the Crucifer turn to the right.

The Acolyte on the right leads the three toward the Cross/torch holder, continuing a slow, reverent pace. Extinguish the torch, and place it in the holder. Proceed up the side steps and take your place in the designated chairs in front of the Choir. The Acolytessit on each side of the Crucifer.

Gospel Procession: As the Gospel hymn begins, the Acolytes and Crucifer leave their seats and go to the Cross/torch holder. Each Acolyte lights his/her torch. (Young Acolytes are assisted by the Crucifer, as needed.)

When the Priest signals, the Crucifer and Acolytes process to the center aisle. The Crucifer leads the procession down the aisle to about the second pew and turns to face the altar. The Acolytes follow, and stand one on each side of the center aisle, facing each other.

After the Gospel reading, the Crucifer and Acolytes begin to process back as soon as the Priest steps aside. Extinguish the torches and return the Processional Cross and torches to the holder; and then return to your seats.

Retiring Procession:

As the Hymn for Going Forth begins, the Acolytes retrieve and light their torches, using the butane lighter on the holder. The Priest signals to start the Retiring Processional; proceed with one Acolyte, then the Crucifer, then the other Acolyte to the head of the center aisle. The Crucifer leads the procession down the aisle, with the Acolytes following side-by-side.

Once out of the sanctuary, extinguish the torches. The Processional Cross and torches can remain in the narthex near the bookcase until announcements have been completed, and then are returned to their proper places in the holder.

Return to the choir room, and hang up all vestments. Snap all snaps on the alb (to reduce the amount of wrinkling), and return the cincture and wooden cross to their proper places. If the alb that you wore is soiled, please take it home to wash (returning it by the next Wednesday).

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Crucifer

The Crucifer carries the Processional Cross in the Entrance, Gospel, and Retiring Processions; handles the offertory plates; and assists the Clergy in preparation of the altar for Communion.

When selecting your attire for the day, consider that the alb (robe) is warm and dress accordingly. However, parishioners can see through some of the albs, so bold prints and shorts are inappropriate attire, even in the summer.

Arrive 20 minutes prior to the service to vest in the music room. Albs hang in the far right corner. Albs are worn with a cincture (rope-like belt); and a cross (your own, or one hanging with the robes.) Select a robe that is long enough to reach a few inches above your ankles, and a cincture that will comfortably circle your waist twice and hang down one side to near your knees. (An easy test for length is to double the cincture and hold it in front of you; it should be about your height.)

You may use one of the wooden crosses hanging near the cinctures, or use your own cross of comparable size.

Before the service, the Processional Cross is taken from the right side holder (right side when facing the chancel) to just outside the main sanctuary doors, in preparation for the processional.

About 10 minutes before the service is to begin, retrieve the candle lighterfrom the right side holder (facing the altar), and light it with the butane lighter provided on the holder stand.

Enter the chancel from the side steps, approach the center in front of the altar and pause; light the left candle on the altar; return to center and pause; light the right candle; blow out the candle lighter. Using the side steps, replace the candle lighter in the holder. Leave the sanctuary using the side aisle.

At the 9:00 service, Leap of Faith enters the sanctuary and provides a musical offering before the procession. Then, the Crucifer and Acolytes process to the altar through the center aisle, followed by the Vested Eucharistic Minister, and then by the Priest(s):

[Altar]

Crucifer

Acolyte Acolyte

Vested Eucharistic Minister

Priest(s)

At the 11:15 service, the Choir enters the sanctuary after the Crucifer and Acolytes, followed by the VEM and then the Priest(s):

[Altar]

Crucifer

Acolyte Acolyte

Choir

Vested Eucharistic Minister

Priest(s)

Entrance Procession: The Crucifer leads the procession. (NOTE: If you are tall, and/or if you are holding the Processional Cross high, you will need to dip the Cross slightly to get through the door into the sanctuary. This – and at the exit – are the only times that you lower the Cross or bow in any way.)

Walk at a stately, steady pace, holding the Processional Cross upright in a secure but relaxed manner.

Pause briefly at the end of the center aisle, stepping forward enough for the Acolytes to join you, one on each side. All three turn to the right in unison, and the Acolyte on the right will lead you to the Cross/torch holder.

Secure the Processional Cross in the holder; assist the Acolytes, if needed, to blow out their torches and place them in the holder. Take your place in the chair provided in front of the Choir, sitting with an Acolyte on each side.

Gospel Procession: As the Gospel hymn begins, the Acolyte(s) and Crucifer leave their seats and go to the Cross/torch holder. Assist the acolytes in lighting their torches, if necessary. Retrieve the Processional Cross from its holder.

When the priest signals, the Crucifer and Acolytes process to the head of the center aisle, facing the Altar. Turning in unison, the Crucifer leads the procession down the aisle to about the second pewand turns to face the Altar. The Acolytes follow, and stand one on each side of the center aisle, facing each other.

After the Gospel reading, begin to process back as soon as the Priest steps aside. Lead the procession back to the end of the center aisle, stepping forward enough for the Acolytes to join you, one on each side. Turn to the right in unison. The Crucifer and Acolytes process back to the holder; extinguish the torches and return the Cross and torches to the holder; and then return to their seats.

The Offertory

As the Ushers (and, possibly, congregants) begin to process up the center aisle, carrying the bread and wine to be consecrated,leave your seat and walk across the chancelto meet them at the head of the center steps.Take the offerings, and place them on theAltar. The Priest will hand you the offering plates.

Turn and give the offering plates to the Ushers, one to each, then go to stand at the end of the Altarnearest the lectern. When the offering has been completed, the Ushers will return to the center steps; take the offering plates from them and hand them to the Priest. If the Usher presents a basket of food or other material offering, turn and place it on the floor in the center in front of the Altar.

Then, return to the end of the Altarto assist with preparation for communion.

Assisting with Preparation for Communion

Standing between the end of the altar and the lectern, the Crucifer assists the Priest by providing elements from the retable (wooden “server” behind the altar and priest) as needed. Individual Priests may differ in the preferred method of preparation; the Crucifer should understand the basic preparation process, but take specific cues from the Priest’s voiced requests.

Remove the stopper from the wine cruet, placing it carefully on the retable. (Use caution; the stoppers can roll.) Offer the Priest the wine cruet,holding the body of the cruet firmly to present the handle side.Then offer the water cruet in the same manner. While the Priest is preparing the wine to be consecrated, drape the lavabo towel from the retable over your left arm/wrist. Place the lavabo bowl in your left hand. The Priest will hand you the water cruet, and hold his/her hands over the bowl. Use the water carafe to pour a small amount of water over his/her fingers into the bowl. He/she will take the towel from your arm to dry his/her hands, and return the towelto your arm. Place the bowland the water cruet on the retable, replacing the stopper. Place the towel on the retable. Return to your seat.

As the last communicants are served, return to the altar to receive the communion vessels from the Priest and return them to the retable.

Retiring Procession:

As the Hymn for Going Forth begins, the Crucifer goes to the holder, retrieves the candle lighter, and uses the snuffer portion to extinguish the altar candles. This is done in the reverse order to the initial lighting: stand centered facing the altar and pause; extinguish the right candle; back to center and pause; extinguish the left candle; back to center and pause. Exit the chancel using the right hand steps, and replace the candle lighter in the holder.

The Acolytes retrieve and light their torches, using the butane lighter on the holder. The Priest signals to start the Retiring Processional; proceed with one Acolyte, then the Crucifer, then the other Acolyte to the head of the center aisle. The Crucifer leads the procession down the aisle, with the Acolytes following side-by-side.

The Processional Cross and torches can remain in the Narthex near the bookcase until announcements have been completed, and then are turned to their proper places in the holder.

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Eucharistic Minister (not vested)

Arrive at least ten minutes before the service and let the Vested Eucharistic Minister know that you are in attendance before you enter the sanctuary.

Proceed up to the chancel behind the Ushers as the collection plate is brought up; stand to the left of the Ushers facing the altar.

As the Choir begins to sing the offertory anthem, walk around and ascend the left side steps onto the chancel, taking your place to the right of the Vested Eucharistic Minister.

Use of hand sanitizer, sitting on the retable,is encouraged.

The Priest will administer the sacraments to both Eucharistic Ministers, and offer you a chalice and purificator (linen square used for cleaning the lip of the chalice), or you will take them from the altar.

Wait near the altar until the Priest has begun to serve the Host to the parishioners standing at the right half (facing out) of the chancel semi-circle. Begin to servethe Blood of Christ by offering the chalice to each individual after the Priest has administered the Host. Hold the chalice by the stem and/or bottom of the bowl, lifting it to the level of the lips and allowing the communicant to guide the chalice base with his/her hand. During administration, offer these words: “The Blood of Christ, the Cup of Salvation.”

After the communicant has sipped the wine, use the purificator to wipe the edge of the chalice, and turn the chalice one-quarter turn before offering it to the next person (so that individual is not drinking from the same spot.) Use the folded side of the purificator that does not have embroidery, as it is difficult to remove wine stains from that section.

If the communicant holds up the wafer, indicating that he/she will intinct rather than sip from the chalice, lower the chalice for the person’s convenience and hold the purificator in front of the chalice to catch any drips. It is not necessary to rotate the chalice after intinction.

Adults who present to receive a blessing without taking communion, will have their arms crossed in front of their chest – or will quietly indicate to you that they are not partaking. Smile and move on. The Priest will provide a blessing, if he/she has not already done so. Parents indicate to you when their small children are presented for a blessing only.

The Priest may indicate that he/she wants you to follow him/her into the congregation to administer communion to a seated congregant. Follow the Priest, and administer the Blood of Jesus in the same way that you would if the individual was standing at the Altar.

If the wine in the chalice is depleted before communion is finished, go to the Altar. The wine remaining in the cruet has been consecrated; pour some into your chalice, catching any drips with the purificator.

If the wafer is dropped into the chalice, usethe small spoon on the retable to retrieve the wafer, sliding wafer up the side of the chalice to remove as little wine as possible. Place the waferthe lavabo bowl on the retable. Indicate to the Priest that the communicant needs another wafer.

If a wafer is dropped onto the floor, pick it up and place it on the corporal. (The corporal is the square of white linen used to receive the consecrated bread and wine, placed on the fair linen – the larger white cloth that covers the top of the Altar.)

If wine is spilled, use your purificator to blot it. (If the wine has spilled onto a communicant, hand them your purificator and indicate to them that they may blot it off themselves. Place the soiled purificator on the retable. Then, remove a clean purificator from the burse on the altar for your use. (The burse looks like a square, flat book. Hinged, and covered in liturgical colors, it contains the corporal and purificators to be used at the service.)

After the entire congregation has been served, approach the Altar and consume as much wine remaining in the chalice as you are able. (Often the Ushers, who are served last, accomplish this task for you.) Place the chalice and the purificator corporal on the Altar.

Using the same steps you used to ascend the chancel, descend, walk to the center in front of the chancel to reverence the Cross, and return to your seat with the congregation.