Holy Comforter's Acolyte program is open to all youth of our church, ages grade 3 – grade 12. A total of 20 youth are involved at this time. Six are trained as Server (including Crucifer and Torch Bearer), four are trained as Crucifer (and Torch Bearer), and ten are trained as Torch Bearers. In 2005, our acolyte program saw the "retirement" through high school graduation of four long-serving acolytes. To fill their shoes, other acolytes have been trained for more senior roles. In 2005 two youth were trained as Server, two as Crucifer, and we welcomed four new torch bearers. Training is conducted for each acolyte individually in order to focus on his/her needs; in doing so an additional adult is required to be present to conform to Safeguarding God's Children. One of our Servers, Nick, was awarded a silver James Avery cross in recognition of achieving 75 services. We have 2 seniors, Chris and Kristin, who were awarded a James Avery gift of their choice for having served 150 services on April 29, 2007. This year we will lose two Servers to high school graduation, and the program will, as always, have the challenge of keeping up with attrition. We are always growing in number and appreciate our youth that choose to serve our Lord Jesus in this way.

I believe our Acolyte program provides a unique learning opportunity for our youth. Service as an acolyte is a wonderful complement to the Christian training afforded our youth in Sunday School and EYC. As our older youth become young adults, I hope and pray that their service as an Acolyte has in some way motivated them to become advocates of the Episcopal Church's traditional, Liturgical worship and will strengthen them in their Spiritual Journey through life.

All of our youth are needed and encouraged to participate in our Acolyte program. Please contact me with any ideas, concerns, or for more information through our church office, 281-353-9169 or at the 10:30 church service.

Paul McKelvey, Acolyte Director