A day of Worship, Fellowship, Exploring and Learning. The National Acolyte Festival is a time-honored tradition for many congregations across the country. On October 7th, 15 Acolytes from five local parishes in the Lancaster Convocation, along with their respective Clergy, Vergers, parents and even a few grandparents, traveled to the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. to participate in the festival and the “grandest of processions”, during the first National Acolyte Festival since 2019 when Covid-19 put a halt on the festivities.

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Amid international crisis, the cathedral was filled with over 500 Acolytes from across the country - from as far as Florida to South Dakota - and included groups from various denominations, for a time of peace and prayers in our nation’s capital, where they continue to rebuild after the 2011 earthquake. 

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After a beautiful procession, which included Acolytes, Clergy and Vergers from every Parish in attendance, they enjoyed worship, wonderful music, a moving message and communion. Following the worship service there were various workshops to explore, including Now and Forever Windows Activities, Liturgical Streamer Making and everyone’s favorite, the LEGO Exhibit where each Acolyte was given a ticket to help place w brick on what will be the world’s largest cathedral made of LEGO bricks at over 13 feet long once complete.

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The five Lancaster Convocation Parishes that attended the National Acolyte Festival included: Hope, Saint James, St. John’s of Lancaster, Saint Paul Columbia, and St. Thomas.