Liturgical Guilds
Worship services at the American Cathedral involve the participation of not only the clergy and those assembled, but also the support, assistance and coordination of several dedicated groups known as Liturgical Guilds. These groups work behind the scenes to prepare the necessary service materials and also participate in the service itself.
Membership prerequisites vary with some serving as an excellent introduction to a more involved worship experience for newer congregants and others requiring a more developed understanding of liturgical procedures.
Key to all is the desire to enhance the worship experience for the individual and the community through service.
Acolytes
Acolytes assist the clergy in the leadership of worship at the weekly 11:00 AM Eucharist, on feast days, and at other special services. Anyone over the age of 11 is welcome; both adults and youth are invited to serve at the altar. The only requirement is a willingness to learn and to be available on Sundays and special occasions. Training and practice sessions are conducted several times during the year. Acolyte schedules are mailed in advance and also posted in the sacristy.
For more information about Acolytes and how you can get involved, please email Dean Fleetwood dean@americancathedral.org
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild's quiet, servant ministry exists to ensure that our worship space and our liturgies are appropriate. The guild sees to it that the altar linens are spotless, the silver shining, and the candles in good order. They lay out the sacred vessels for the service and care for the Sacristy. The Altar Guild works directly with the Dean and other cathedral clergy, and members of the Guild are appointed by Dean. The members are communicants of the parish and are on duty about once a month. Many Altar Guild members find the work spiritually enriching in profound ways.
For more information about the Altar Guild and how you can get involved, please email Dean Fleetwood dean@americancathedral.org
Lay Readers
Lay readers, or lectors, are responsible for reading scripture and prayers at the Cathedral's 9h00 and 11h00 services, as well as at Evensong and other special services. There are occasional vacancies in the roster of lectors, who number eighteen. Any who are interested in being considered -- especially those who are bilingual, or have experience at a church lectern -- are urged to contact the Dean.
For more information about Lay Readers and how you can get involved, please email Dean Fleetwood dean@americancathedral.org
Ministers of Communion
Ministers of Communion are appointed by the Dean and licensed by the Bishop to assist the clergy in the distribution of the elements at Eucharist (Holy Communion).
For more information about Ministers of Communion and how you can get involved, please email Dean Fleetwood dean@americancathedral.org
Flower Guild
The flower guild purchases and arranges the flowers that adorn the altar and nave for Sunday services, special liturgies, weddings and funerals. All volunteers, the guild members are trained in flower selection and arrangement.
For more information about the Flower Guild and how you can get involved, please email Dean Fleetwood dean@americancathedral.org
Ushers
Among the first persons one sees upon entering the Cathedral for a Sunday service, the ushers play a very important role by extending that first warm welcome and providing efficient guidance while ensuring security measures behind the scenes.
For more information about Ushers and how you can get involved, please email Dean Fleetwood dean@americancathedral.org