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In many [[Christian denominations]], an '''acolyte''' refers to anyone who performs ceremonial duties such as lighting [[altar]]-[[candle]]s.  

In many [[Christian]] denominations, the term '''acolyte''' refers to a person, other than the officiant, who performs ceremonial duties at or near the [[altar]] during corporate worship.  In Western Christianity, the role is normally performed by an unordained person, most often a youth.

== Methodism ==

== Anglicanism and Methodism ==

In the [[Methodist]] tradition, acolytes participate in the worship service by lighting the [[altar]] candles, extinguishing the altar candles, and ringing the [[church bell]] to call the congregation to worship. In the [[Methodist]] tradition, the lighting of the altar candles in the worship service is a symbol of Jesus’ coming into the presence of the worshiping community. Before the extinguishing of the last altar candles, the acolytes relight their "candle lighter" and then process out into the [[narthex]]. This symbolizes that [[Jesus Christ]] is for all people everywhere. It also symbolizes the light of Jesus Christ going out into the world where believers are called to serve.<ref>[http://gracekids.com/home1/acolytes/ The Woodlands United Methodist Church: What is an Acolyte?]</ref> Similar to those in the [[Anglicanism|Anglican]] tradition, acolytes in the [[Methodist]] tradition wear robes called [[alb]]s with a [[cincture]].

In the [[Anglican]] and [[Methodist]] tradition, acolytes participate in the worship service by lighting and extinguishing the [[altar]] candles, ringing the [[church bell]]s, and otherwise assisting the minister during worship.  

 

In the [[Methodist]] tradition, the lighting of the altar candles in the worship service is a symbol of Jesus’ coming into the presence of the worshiping community. Before the extinguishing of the last altar candles, the acolytes relight their "candle lighter" and then process out into the [[narthex]]. This symbolizes that [[Jesus Christ]] is for all people everywhere. It also symbolizes the light of Jesus Christ going out into the world where believers are called to serve.<ref>[http://gracekids.com/home1/acolytes/ The Woodlands United Methodist Church: What is an Acolyte?]</ref> Similar to those in the [[Anglicanism|Anglican]] tradition, acolytes in the [[Methodist]] tradition wear robes called [[alb]]s with a [[cincture]].

 

In [[Anglican]] churches, the candles (properly called "lights") represent Christ himself, the light of the world, and there is no particular symbolism attached to the extinguishing of them. Acolytes customarily wear a white cotta over a black cassock, similar to the attire of choir members.

== References ==

== References ==