The word acolyte derives from the Greek "ἀκόλουθος" or "akolouthos" which refers to "the one who follows or accompanies", and this gave rise to the Latin voice "acoly̆tus"; Etymologically speaking, the word acolyte refers to the "individual who accompanies the celebrant at Mass." Acolyte is described as the civilian who has been granted the second of the ministries established by the Catholic Church and whose function or position is to help or take charge of the altar and administer the consecration as an extraordinary minister.
This character or lay person belongs to the ministry of the Catholic Church, although it should be noted that this office also exists in the Anglican Church or English church, fulfilling the same service or occupation of serving at the altar by helping the deacon, but also assisting the Priest during the ceremony, Mass or worship.
Generally those aspiring to the sacred orders of the deacon and the presbyteral figure are constituted as acolytes, although given ministry can be carried out by laity, which is the clerical condition that is granted with the ordination of deacon. According to the code of law, only "lay men" acolytes may be erected, but the practice of this ministry does not grant them the right to any remuneration from the Catholic Church.
The award of acolyte, it was customary to be granted from the beginning of the Church, to those young people who wanted the ecclesiastical ministry, were preparing to accompany and assist the bishops, both in the class of pages and to transport and receive the letters or others that were sent to them. They were also in charge of collecting the offerings of the parishioners who attended Mass, and at the end they were given to the deacons and priests in order to distribute it.
