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Many visitors and parishioners attending services at St. John's Episcopal Church comment on the fine and dignified work of our corps of acolytes, for which they are humbly grateful. These young men and women have committed many hours of training (an ongoing process) for the privilege and honor of being an acolyte. Mark Thomas, our Acolyte Warden and Verger, works with them to provide training and instill the leadership qualities each acolyte needs as they progress in age and responsibility.
An acolyte is someone who assists in a liturgical service. Over time, acolytes graduate in the level of duties they perform in each service. This process develops many good qualities in a young person, such as a sense of commitment, determination, and an obligation to see a job through to completion. Qualities like this, and the experience of being an acolyte, will remain with them for the rest of their lives.
For more information about becoming a member of the Acolyte Corps at St. John's, please contact Kerry Johnson at the church office.
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| Length of Service Cord Colors |
| | The color of the cords on the crosses acolytes wear designate their length of service in the Acolyte Corps. Below is a list of each designation along with a picture of the cross and cord worn.
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Cord Color: Black
Cross: Black
Service: 0-1 Years |
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Cord Color: Blue
Cross: Brown (wood)
Service: 1-3 years |
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Cord Color: Gold
Cross: Brown (wood)
Service: 3-5 Years |
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Cord Color: Red
Cross: Brown (wood)
Service: 5-7+ Years |
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| | Although each service is unique, the typical Sunday service has many common elements. The names of each acolyte serving is listed in the bulletin for that service, and at each service there is an 'acolyte-in-charge'. This person is responsible for making pre-service assignments, observe the crew during the service, and to make any needed corrections following the service.
The crucifer (the acolyte who leads the procession carrying the cross) and the two honor guard torchbearers wear long white garments called "albs," tied at the waist with a white rope (called a cincture or girdle). These three individuals are responsible for the procession, the gospel procession, and the recessional. The two altar servers are attired in a red cassock (gown) and a square neck white cotta, or overlay. These persons are responsible for all altar activity.
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