In Anglican churches such as the Episcopal Church of the United States or the Church of England, altar servers are called acolytes and can be male or female and any age (although usually no younger than ten).  At St. Peter's, acolytes are open to youth in fifth grade and older.

An acolyte can assist in worship by carrying a processional cross, lighting candles, holding the Gospel book, holding candles or "torches", assisting a deacon or priest with the set up and clean up at the altar, swinging incense or carrying the incense boat, handing the offering plates to ushers, and many other tasks as seen fit by the priest or acolyte director.  Acolytes may be referred to according to the roles they perform. e.g. crucifer, thurifer, torch bearer, or server.

In some churches, acolytes wear a cassock-alb with girdle, and in others a cassock and cotta. At St. Peter’s, we wear a full-length white cassock-alb and a white cincture or girdle, which is a twisted rope with knots on the ends that is secured around the waist.  Cinctures may be white or of the liturgical color. Wearing crosses or other special pins or symbols is the prerogative of the individual church.

For more information, contact Beth Lasky at e.lasky@att.net.