Church of the Good Shepherd Acolytes

Good Shepherd Episcopal Church
Kingwood, Texas

Worship

Worship Schedule

Liturgical Ministries

Sacraments

Music

Other Services

Our Acolytes

Master of Acolytes -- Paul Brinsden Phone/FAX: (281) 358-6127 Email: pbrinsden@embarqmail.com
	Acolytes at Good Shepherd serve during worship services as assisting ministers of the liturgy. They are young people in our parish between the ages of 11 and 18 who have made a commitment to serve faithfully in this ministry. At this time there are approximately 80 youth members in active service and they are supported by a team of seven adults, each with a specific support role.

Joining the Acolyte Guild

Young people who have reached 11 years of age by either April 1st or October 1st should contact the Acolyte Master (Paul Brinsden, 281 358-6127) or any of the adult leaders to make us aware that they are ready to start active participant in this ministry. Training sessions are held in April and October. The entire intake of novices for the year are presented to the Rector for installation at a special service at the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels. Existing members of the Acolyte Guild also renew their commitment to service at this time.

Mission of the Good Shepherd Acolyte Guild

The Acolyte Guild trains young people to be aware of the liturgy and to assist the clergy during worship and provides a supportive environment in which they can engage in and develop an understanding of servant ministry, commitment and loyalty within the Church. We believe that these are part of building a firm foundation for active participation, ministry and leadership in the church both now and in the future.

Our values

Commitment, Servanthood, Loyalty, Timeliness, Team awareness, Leadership, High Standards in all we are. All these are our offering and sacrifice to the glory of God.

The Acolyte Guild

In addition to supporting our young people in their chosen ministry, the Acolyte Guild also provides some program content throughout the year which is designed to build fellowship and to broaden the members’ understanding of the church. (See photo below for The Winter Gathering, 2003). We strongly encourage members to bring friends to these program events.

Our acolytes have also been requested by the Diocese of Texas to serve at major Diocesan events (see photo below). Our members also participate in outreach by serving as acolytes at the Lord of the Streets parish in downtown Houston (see photos below) and have been actively engaged in helping to train members of Lord of the Streets in the acolyte ministry.

Acolyte teams participate in the Kirking of the Tartan, which celebrates the Feast Day for Samuel Seabury, first bishop of the Episcopal Church USA.