Welcome back to the premier yearly celebration of acolytes on October 7, 2023!

Washington National Cathedral is delighted to welcome back acolytes from across the country to celebrate this vital ministry of service and faith.

The festival is a time-honored tradition for many congregations, and we are eager for your return this fall as we also welcome those making their first pilgrimage to the Cathedral.

A Celebration of Service

The day begins with acolytes, servers, clergy and vergers joining in the longest and most colorful procession imaginable—the Grandest of Processions—as we prepare to gather around Christ’s table for a festival Holy Eucharist.

Following the service, participants are invited to spend the afternoon exploring the Cathedral and joining a variety of workshops. Perfect your thurible techniques, create a liturgical streamer, take a look at Cathedral treasures, and hear from Cathedral clergy about their own years of acolyte service.

Lunch is available for pre-purchase ($9) on the registration page. Lunch includes a sandwich, chips, and a piece of fruit. Lunches must be purchased by September 29. Due to the limited nature of the food offerings, we recommend that those with food allergies or serious dietary restrictions bring their lunch with them or make other arrangements.

Schedule

8:30 AM

Doors open and registration begins

10:00 AM

Festival Holy Eucharist with the Grandest of Processions

11:30 AM

Pre-purchased lunches available

12:00–2:00 PM

Cathedral LEGO® exhibit open

Cathedral treasures on view

12:30-1:00 PM

Organ demonstration

12:30-2:00 PM

Workshops:

Cathedral Clergy: the Journey from Acolyte to Ordination

Training and building an acolyte team

History of Acolytes

History of Vergers

Thurible training

Streamer training

Kite and streamer making

Registration is Now Open

Registration Fee: $10 per acolyte (youth and adult)

REGISTER NOW

Date: October 7, 2023  from 8:30 AM

Location: Washington National Cathedral

3101 Wisconsin Avenue Northwest

Washington, DC 20016.

Click here for more information