Роль аколита: от церковного служения к взаимной поддержке в обществе

The term ‘acolyte’ is often used to describe a person who assists a celebrant in furtherance of religious ceremonies. particularly those involving processions. Imagine preparing the way, setting the stage, or attending to the needs of the celebrant, both before and after a service. Acolytes are often designated roles which include preparing the worship setting, lighting candles, then extinguishing the light once the ceremony is concluded. In high church traditions, duties of acolytes can be regimented and complex, amounting to a ministry in their own right. Low church traditions might satisfy acolyte responsibilities with little more than lighting/extinguishing candles on a candelabra at the beginning and end of each ceremony. Earning the right to be a candle lighter was an honorable goal for many children growing up in the church. A candle lighter/snuffer is about as good a name that anyone has been able to muster. Some refer to it as a ‘douter’ (source unknown). Regardless, the design in most cases is the same. A movable wax wick in the handle of the lighter safely allows for a flame that is easily controlled. The opposite side of the lighter is a bell-shaped snuffer. It’s not foolproof but it gets the job done. More than one acolyte has accidentally caught a tablecloth or curtain on fire for lack of attention. The notion of all of us bearing some responsibility toward the role of acolyte is not at all far-fetched. We could benefit in assisting and helping others within and outside the walls of our churches and buildings, taking tasks as seriously and somberly as neophyte acolytes. What we too often fail to do is to reinforce through compliments the work of the acolytes, the positive role they play, and assurances that they are part of worship team as much as anyone present. There is a lesson in that for churches and secular organizations. Rewarding work well-done, and celebrating the resulting successes, is vital to encouraging more of the same. If we know that, why is it so hard to do? Habit keeps us moored to the same truths and traditions that we have known for years. On the other hand, change for the sake of change can also result in unintended consequences if undertaken on a whim. Question – How many church members does it take to change a light bulb? Answer – Change? Redoing bylaws is always another possibility. We can be acolytes each to the other. It need not be age-based or gender specific. It does, however, require a degree of resolve that demonstrates we are thoughtful in our caring for one another. It is difficult work from time-to time, but it is also fulfilling. May your work be filled with harmony and joyful intent as we all seek balance in our lives, and may we recognize the goodness and congruence that comes in working with others in worthwhile endeavor. “May we have the courage today to live the life that we would love, to postpone our dreams no longer, but do at last what we came here for, and waste our hearts on fear no more” (adapted, John O’Donohue in To Bless This Space Between Us).