St. John's Episcopal Church, Norwood Parish 

Building Community at the Crossroads of Faith and Life 

Acolyte Guild

Acolytes have assisted with the worship service from Old Testament times. An Acolyte is defined as "one who assists the minister in a liturgical service" and "one who attends or assists."

So what do Acolytes do?

Well, an Acolyte's ministry at St. John's includes:

• leading processions of clergy and choirs
• lighting and extinguishing candles
• carrying crosses, torches, banners, flags, and the Gospel Book during procession and recession
• guiding parishioners to the communion rail
• assisting clergy as the altar is set before communion;
• dispensing the offering plates to the ushers and then receiving the offering from them
• presenting the congregational offering at the altar

Acolytes play an important role as they serve the congregation, the choirs, ushers, and the clergy — all in the worship of God!

Acolytes at St. John's are organized in teams and usually participate in their role as Acolyte once a month, unless they have agreed to fill in for another Acolyte or would like to participate in a special service.

New Acolytes are coached by the Guild Leader or senior Acolytes during the services. Individual or group training sessions are held when necessary or requested.

Once a year, the Acolytes are invited to represent St. John's Church at the National Acolyte Festival at the Washington National Cathedral. This is an inspiring event and an opportunity to see the hundreds of Acolytes from numerous cities in our nation congregate for such a festive event at the National Cathedral.

Anyone from the age of nine to ninety-nine can be an Acolyte at St. John's!

For More Information

Contact Christine Curto or Harrison West at 301-654-7767, for more information or if you are interested in joining the St. John's Acolyte Guild.