Acolytes

The Ministry of an Acolyte

St. Matthew’s is fortunate to have a very dedicated group of young people serving each Sunday at the 10:00am service. The word acolyte is derived from the Greek word akolouthos,meaning companion, attendant, or helper. Acolyte ministry has its roots in the Old Testament, where the prophet Samuel is seen assisting Eli, the Levite priest, and Elisha is seen assisting the prophet Elijah. We see them dressed in robes of red or white, quietly carrying torches, crosses, alms basins, and cruets. A vital part of worship, they blend into the background helping our liturgies flow smoothly.

Anyone in Grade 4 and up is welcome to explore this ministry with a commitment to serve once a month if possible. Please contact Sharon or John Pearson for more information about acolytes or training.

Lifelong Episcopalians, John and Sharon were both acolytes as young people and have trained numerous acolytes of all ages over the years. While not quite their experience, read this humorous article, “My Life as an Acolyte” by an adult looking back on his days as an acolyte in an Episcopal Church that was published in The Christian Century.

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