2004 National Acolyte Festival

 

As we arrived on the Washington National Cathedral grounds, the tops of the spires were still shrouded in the early morning mist.  It gave one the impression that the cathedral heights reached all the way to the clouds, indeed all the way to heaven.  So began our experience with the 2004 National Acolyte Festival.

 

On Saturday, October 9th, a group of acolytes and their adult chaperones from St. James School and St. Mark’s traveled together to the National Cathedral where we joined over 140 churches from around the nation to celebrate this wonderful ministry of the youth (and adults) within the church.  While the majority of participants were Episcopal, several other denominations participated as well.  They came from as far away as Maine, Michigan and Texas.  There were thirteen churches just from Florida!!  The acolytes (I estimate over 750) filled the entire center of the nave. 

 

The festival began with the blessing and then a full procession of all the acolytes, up the center aisle to the alter, where they were blessed by The Right Reverend Chane, Bishop of Washington.  They carried every manner of cross, torch, thurible, banner and streamer. The procession took a full hour and was followed by Eucharist.  Throughout all, the cathedral was filled with music led by the great organ and accompanied by the hundreds of enthusiastic voices.  After conclusion of the service and a bag lunch on the cathedral grounds, various workshops were offered.  Thereafter, our group, excited but a little worn, traveled back to Washington County and home.

 

 

                               

The sights and sounds of this glorious day still ring through my mind and soul -- the majesty of the cathedral; the many glorious banners; both the smiling and serious faces, young and old; the wonderful music.  My final impression was that the cathedral spires do indeed reach all the way to heaven.  I am looking forward to next year.

 

Stuart Scarborough

Acolyte Master

 

P.S. Many thanks to Rev. Anne, Martha Fraser, Scott Lindsay and Mark Michael for assisting with this trip.