Acolytes

Acolytes (Gr., 'followers') were the young clerics who assisted the bishops and priests in the performance of religious rites, lighting the candles, presenting the wine and water at the communion, and the like offices. They were considered as in holy orders, and ranked next to sub-deacons. These services have, since the 7th century, been performed by laymen and boys, who are improperly called acolytes; but in the Catholic Church, aspirants to the priesthood are still at one stage consecrated as acolytes. See ORDERS (HOLY).