Q. 1. What is the purpose of the acolyte?

A. 1. The word acolyte originates from the Greek word "akolouthos", which means "attendant." The Latin word is "acolythus."

The acolyte is the person who assists the priest in a religious service or procession. His duty may also include the lighting of the altar candles.

While the duty of the alcolytes appears to resemble that of the Altar servers, only men can be acolytes.

On the matter of acolytes, the Church Canon Law states:

Can. 230 §1. Lay men who possess the age and qualifications established by decree of the conference of bishops can be admitted on a stable basis through the prescribed liturgical rite to the ministries of lector and acolyte.

Nevertheless, the conferral of these ministries does not grant them the right to obtain support or remuneration from the Church.