How to Receive Holy Eucharist
All Christians baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are welcome at the Lord’s Table. Come to the altar rail as the ushers direct and take the next available place. Our custom is to kneel at the rail, but you may stand if it is more comfortable. After receiving communion, please return to your pew. If you are unable to come to the altar rail, tell one of the ushers and a priest will bring communion to you.

Receiving the Bread Alone
Receiving the bread alone is considered full communion. At this time, only bread is offered during Communion. Gluten-free wafers also are available.

Receiving a Blessing
If you or your children would prefer to receive a blessing rather than Communion, simply come forward to the altar rail and cross your arms across your chest as a signal to the priest.

All Children Are Welcome at the Lord’s Table
All baptized Christians – no matter their age – are encouraged to come to the altar rail for Holy Communion. Our young ones have a few options:

• Those children who prefer not to receive communion may receive a blessing instead by immediately crossing their arms across their chest.
• Some parents allow their children to receive communion only after they have completed instruction in their third-grade year. Please note that we do offer Communion Instruction for children in third grade, and/or any child who has not previously had the instruction and is older than third grade. Children are encouraged to participate in this class to deepen their understanding of the high point of the worship experience.

All Children Are Welcome in Church
Children bring much richness to our worship community with new ways of seeing familiar rituals. Children also can bring awkward questions and unexpected comments! Here are a few ways to make church a more pleasant experience for everyone:

• Come early to get a good seat, preferably where children can see.
• Share your Worship Booklet with young ones and help them follow along with the prayers and music.
• Be realistic. Young children cannot be expected to sit quietly all the time. Elementary-age children, however, have longer attention spans and can be expected to participate fully in the liturgy with your help.
• Do some homework. Spend time helping your child become familiar or even memorize some of the prayers and responses. Being able to participate helps them feel included.
• Children’s activity sheets and coloring pencils are available in the Narthex of The Church to occupy little hands and make church a more welcoming place for children. These sheets have a word search, Bible verse and other activities that coincide with the lesson of the day to keep your children busy during the worship service. 
• Do not feel embarrassed if you need to take your child out for a while.

The order of acolytes is one of the most ancient ministries in the church. The word “acolyte” means “follower” or “one who helps.” In addition to carrying flags, banners, torches and crosses during the service, acolytes also assist the Clergy of St. Martin’s with preparing the altar for Holy Communion. These are important and vital roles that are central to our worship at St. Martin’s, and help to develop a sense of reverence and understanding for the tradition of the Episcopal worship service.

The St. Martin’s Acolyte Ministry requires a one-year commitment. We try our best to schedule you to serve at the service time of your choice. Depending on the number of acolytes, you will serve one to two times per month.

Students in 2nd–12th grades are invited to serve at our Family Table Sunday worship service at 9:15 a.m. in the Parish Life Center.

Students in 6th–12th grades are invited to serve at worship services at 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 11:15 a.m or 6 p.m. in The Church.

If you would like to serve as an acolyte, click here to sign up.

For more information about being an acolyte for:
Family Table service in the Parish Life Center (2nd–12th graders), contact Beth Ollenburger at 713-830-4146 or email hidden; JavaScript is required.
Worship services in The Church (6th–12th graders), contact Barbara Piana at 713-830-4116 or email hidden; JavaScript is required.