At Good Shepherd, baptized Christians of all ages are welcome to participate in the ministry of serving at the altar. Acolytes are the priest's chief assistants at the altar, and so have a variety of roles and jobs: they bear the Gospel book in procession, they help prepare the altar for Holy Communion, they carry the sacred vessels, and they serve as the celebrant's "right hand" in the sanctuary. Acolyting is a solemn but joyful responsibility, and the presence and assistance of acolytes makes the worship of the congregation more meaningful, more beautiful, and more seamless. Liturgy is a lot of work, but by our "labor of love" at the altar we deepen the prayer of others, and the beauty that results enriches our spiritual life in community. In the words of the Prayer Book, "let us with gladness present the offerings and oblations of our life and labor to the Lord." 

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To learn the "ins and outs" of how to serve at the altar at Good Shepherd, you may read our Customary for Acolytes, and you may see our Fall Acolyte Schedule here. Those serving at the 8 AM Rite I Holy Eucharist can go here for the Customary for Acolytes 8 AM.