Acolytes

Membership Requirements

An acolyte should be at in the 4th grade or higher,
An acolyte should be willing to attend two of the three training sessions during the year,
An acolyte should be confirmed or planning to be confirmed when old enough,
and an acolyte should receive initial training and orientation at the beginning.

Christ Church Cathedral’s youth become eligible to participate in the Acolyte Ministry after they have reached the 4th grade and typically serve until they complete their senior year of high school. The eligible youth are encouraged to enter the Acolyte Ministry so that they can begin the training process and steps necessary to rise to high levels of service within the Acolyte Ministry. In September, all of the Acolytes will gather for the Acolyte training to start the Church year. Two other training sessions will be held throughout the year and will be announced.

Training is crucial for success in the Acolyte Ministry. Acolytes should attend at least 2 of the 3 training sessions held each year. Promotional opportunities will be contingent on the acolyte’s participation is services AND training sessions.

Training for special services, such as Christmas, Lent, Easter, Confirmation, Baptism, weddings and funerals, are done on an as needed basis. The more senior and adult Acolytes usually staff the special services.   Each Acolyte is given an Acolyte Handbook for reference. The Handbook contains the liturgical vocabulary and a detailed description of the duties of each Acolyte position. It also contains the rules each Acolyte is expected to observe, a definition of terms, which are used in the Church and contact information for the Acolyte Ministry. This Manual is posted on the Parish web site under the Acolyte Ministry page.

Acolyte Positions
Acolyte-in-Training: (White ribbon and wooden cross) Beginning acolytes will be considered acolytes-in-training for a period of one year from their beginning date. Acolytes-in-Training will have the positions of Gospel Bearer and Torchbearer. These acolytes are required to attend two of the three training sessions. They will be responsible for learning the definitions of the Glossary items labeled #1. Other training will include learning the areas of the Cathedral.

Intermediate Acolyte: (Blue ribbon and wooden cross) After a year as Acolytes-in-Training, the acolytes will pass to the Intermediate Acolyte position. Intermediate Acolytes will have the positions of Torchbearer, Banner Bearers, and possibly Crucifer. These acolytes are required to attend two of the three training sessions. They will be responsible for learning the definitions of the Glossary items labeled #1 and #2. Intermediate Acolytes will receive intensive training in the Rite I and Rite II, including an instructional Eucharist.

Senior Acolyte: (Red ribbon and wooden cross) When Intermediate Acolytes reach their sophomore year in high school and have received the necessary training, they will assume the position of Senior Acolyte. They will have the positions of Crucifer and Thurifer (when needed). Senior Acolytes will assume a leadership role by providing aid and assistance to the younger acolytes. Senior Acolytes will assist the Acolyte Master at the various training sessions. They will be responsible for learning the definitions of the Glossary items labeled #1, #2, and #3. Senior Acolytes will be instructed in the history of the Anglican tradition, the Episcopal Church of America, and the history of Christ Church Cathedral.

Dean’s and Canon’s Acolyte: (White ribbon and silver cross) At the start of each church year, the Acolytes will be appointed. At any time, there can be three Dean’s Acolytes. These acolytes will be in the Junior or Senior year of high school. Dean’s Acolytes will be selected based on participation at services and training, punctuality, adherence to the dress requirement, and general leadership capabilities. The Deacon’s acolyte will have the duties of the Senior Acolyte plus other duties required by the Dean. The Dean’s Acolyte will act a Thurifer when required.

Acolyte Master:  The Acolyte Master is Jim Ware. He can be contacted by phone (859-266-6947), or email (jim.ware@insightbb.com).