Derivation
- Greek: akolouthos, attendant, follower
Article
An attendant, for subordinate duties, on the ministers officiating at a sacred rite, e.g., altar-boys; especially member of the highest of minor orders in the Latin Church. The chief duties of this office are
- to light the candles on the altar
- to carry them in procession and during the solemn singing of the Gospel
- to prepare wine and water for the Sacrifice of the Mass
- to assist the ministers at Mass and other public services of the Church
MLA Citation
- “acolyte”. New Catholic Dictionary. Saints.SQPN.com. 3 July 2012. Web. 21 May 2013. <http://saints.sqpn.com/acolyte/>