GET INVOLVED
St. Pauls Episcopal Church
Crucifer/Torch Bearer Responsibilities
Revised November 19, 2008
Arrival
9:55: Appropriate Attire: red cassock, cincture, white cotta, black shoes with toes and heels.
10:05: Crucifer and torchbearers bring cross and torches to Kent Room.
10:10: Priest prays. Verger, crucifer, torchbearers, and banner bearers move to Narthex door.
Prelude:
Crucifer moves into place in center aisle behind verger. Ushers help light torches.
Torchbearers line up behind crucifer.
10:15 Bell rings.
Verger/Crucifer step off when congregation begins to sing. Torchbearers follow crucifer.
Crucifer turns right at the altar rail.
Torchbearers step up to rail. At the same time the right torchbearer turns right and left torchbearer turns left.
When torchbearers get to their seats they blow out torches, put them in the stands, remain standing until the priest asks congregation to be seated.
Sequence Hymn
Verger and crucifer help torchbearers light torches.
Organ plays through hymn one time.
When torch bearers are ready, they move at the same time to center and turn together to face altar.
Deacon picks up Gospel book facing altar.
When the deacon turns toward the congregation and nods, the torchbearers turn toward the center and walk to center aisle, third pew.
Torch bearers turn facing each other and stand against the pew.
After the Gospel is read the deacon walks between torch bearers.
Torchbearers step together to center and turn toward altar.
Torchbearers move to altar rail, turn toward their seats, blow out torches, put them in the stands, remain standing until the priest asks congregation to be seated.
During the remainder of the service, crucifer and torchbearers participate in the service along with the congregationkneeling, praying, singing, and listening.
Eucharist
Crucifer and torchbearers are among the first to receive communion, kneeling at the altar rail with the verger and other acolytes. After receiving communion, stand ready to help anyone who may need help getting up the stepsto the altar.
End of Service
Verger and crucifer help torchbearers light torches.
Organ begins to play.
When ready, crucifer and torchbearers move to center by altar rail and turn to face altar.
Crucifer turns when signaled by deacon. Torchbearers turn toward center and follow crucifer.
Crucifer and torch bearers leave through Narthex door.
Server, Crucifer, Banner Bearer, Torch Bearer Schedule
