acolyte

One who has received the highest of the four minor orders in the Catholic Church, being ordained to carry the wine, water and lights at Mass.

An altar server.

• The kneeling acolyte chimed a sacring-bell, and the congregation bent and swayed like a wheat-field swept scross by sudden wind.

An attendant, assistant, or follower.

• “Apparently, one of Milius's acolytes spends a lot of time at the top of that huge, dangerous mountain. Better get climbing.” “(groans) Oh.”

A devoted follower, fan, especially an overly eager one, following blindly.