Central Florida Acolyte Retreat Highlights Key Worship Role

At nearly 50, the thought of becoming an acolyte again seemed a little far-fetched to Brently Cuthbertson, who held this role in an Episcopal church decades ago. But when his sons, Bryson and Corbett, invited him to join them in solemn service at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Orlando, six years ago, he didn’t hesitate.

“It’s a big part of the church’s history, and we do it because it’s important,” Cuthbertson said. “Years ago, both my sons expressed their interest in serving, and we got them trained. When they asked me if I would come back and serve with them, I thought it was a bit unusual. But I gladly said yes because I knew it would be a wonderful chance for all of us to do something together that we can enjoy.”

Now 55, he proudly serves as an assistant coordinator to Canon Richard Clark, canon acolyte warden for the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, in the Cathedral’s thriving acolyte program.

On Feb. 7, from 9 a.m.-4p.m., the church will host an acolyte retreat for the first time in recent memory. Open to all present and potential acolytes in the diocese, the Central Florida Acolyte Retreat will give participants the chance to learn more about this important position in the church and also to have some fun. Registration, available at this link, extends through Jan. 24; the $30 fee includes breakfast, lunch and a T-shirt. The Cathedral announcement of the retreat requests interested registrants to reach out if the cost is prohibitive.

In The Episcopal Church, the term “acolyte,” which means “follower,” applies not only to servers, torchbearers and candle-lighters but also to crucifers (those who carry the cross), thurifers (those who swing a censer or thurible) and banner-bearers. The acolytes follow the celebrants and other clergy or leaders in the procession to the altar and assist with various liturgical duties. Traditionally, acolytes wear liturgical vestments including a white alb (long robe) with a cincture (rope belt), often over a black cassock or shorter cotta (surplice).

“With this retreat, we want to recognize our acolytes and their ministry,” said the Rev. Garrett Puccetti, resident priest at the Cathedral. “One of the purposes was to help them learn about our worship and why we do what we do. Acolyte festivals are very positive, and they help keep young people connected.”

A total of 21 enthusiastic youth and adults serve as acolytes at St. Luke’s under the guidance and tutelage of Clark, 80.  Cathedral services are complicated and elaborate, and attendees expect ritual, Puccetti said. Acolytes represent a key part of this worship tradition. At the end of each school year, the Cathedral recognizes two standout acolytes: one as Acolyte of the Year and another as Acolyte Rookie of the Year.

“It takes a serious commitment and dedication to be an acolyte,” Clark said. “It’s one of the oldest ministries in the church. The prophet Samuel was actually the first acolyte, and acolytes have always played a very important role in The Episcopal church. They can make or break worship in a service. Many bishops, priests and deacons have been acolytes. There’s a lot of camaraderie in the group, and they enjoying serving together.”

Once an acolyte himself, Puccetti also recognizes the critical role acolytes play. “As Episcopalians, we believe that when we gather for worship on Sunday, we are children of the Almighty God, and we give the best of what we have,” he said. “It’s an opportunity for our young people to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness and to actively contribute to the ministry of spreading the gospel.”

Cuthbertson said he believes acolyte service has helped to prepare both his sons to bring the gospel of Christ to their friends and to many others they encounter daily, which supports the ongoing diocesan “gospel, church, mission” emphasis initiated by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb. “Both of them have the faith of a mustard seed when it comes to the gospel,” Cuthbertson said. “I wish I would have had that at their age.”

Anyone currently serving as an acolyte or with interest in doing so is invited to the Central Florida Acolyte Retreat; find more information and registration here.