It’s one of the reasons why some parishes referred to their altar boys as acolytes, even though they really weren’t in the strict sense. (But, rather, stand ins.) It is also one of the ways whereby the idea of altar boys being a source of vocations developed. And, to a certain extent (along with the boy choirs), it is how the concept of putting the boys in clearical garb of cassock and surplice came about. It was all in imitation of what really was supposed to be in an ideal situation of liturgy. Unfortunately, this is, additionally, a reason that a lot of people originally pushed for “altar girls” to be included, also. There were those who hoped it was a stepping stone towards female ordination. So, some things have still to be clarified in that regard as to what, exactly, the role is established for at the parish level.
In a document released by the USCCB as a resource for media covering a Mass, found here, the USCCB defines acolyte as “See altar server. Seminarians preparing for priesthood are formally instituted as acolytes during their theology studies, before they are ordained deacons. Other lay men, but not women, may also be formally instituted as acolytes under church law. The practice of formally instituting lay men other than seminarians as acolytes is not widespread in the United States.”
It defines altar server as “A lay person who assists the priest at the altar, also called an acolyte. Among altar servers may be people with specific functions in the opening procession or during other parts of the Mass, such as the cross bearer, candle bearers and the thurifer (thurible bearer or censer bearer).”
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