Youth acolytes
At St. Stephen’s, all high school youth are invited to serve at the Lord’s altar in the Ministry of the Acolyte. Rooted in both the Hebrew Scriptures and the early church, acolytes lead worship alongside clergy, assisting with essential practical tasks that make the liturgy unfold with grace and beauty. Acolytes practice Christ’s commandment to love one another by enacting values of inclusion and respect, mutual care and forbearance, forgiveness and acceptance.
Who is invited and what is expected?
All high school youth are invited to serve in this ministry and no prior experience is necessary. The commitment one makes is to be fully present and prepared when serving, and to be accountable to one’s teammates, the congregation and other ministers. This is a ministry in which one grows in skill and maturity; it also requires a level of shared commitment with parents who help with transportation and executive skills that youth still are developing, particularly with communications and scheduling.
Essential details:
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Clergy and vergers will train and coach acolytes in their respective roles in a caring and supportive environment. Training is offered in late August and early September before school resumes, and for special liturgies.
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Acolytes serve in teams led by a senior acolyte called a “warden.” Each team serves about once a month, successively alternating between the 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Sunday liturgies, and in summer at 10 a.m. One acolyte is needed at the 8 a.m. service, year-round.
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Acolytes serve at special services on days other than Sunday including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Maundy Thursday, and the Easter Vigil. On occasion, they will be invited to serve at funerals or weddings.
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Acolytes commit to arrive and vest on time; secure their own substitutes; and responsively communicate with their team’s warden.
Training
Return to this page for information on upcoming training, as well as a registration form.