The Saint Michael Acolyte Corps: Where Service Meets Spiritual Growth

By Michael Blachly

Have you ever wondered about the meaningful details that make our worship at Saint Michael so beautiful? Perhaps you've noticed the person leading our procession with a ceremonial staff or watched an acolyte gracefully swinging incense during service. These aren't just traditions—they're sacred roles that connect us to centuries of Christian worship while serving our community today.

DISCOVER THE HEART OF LITURGICAL SERVICE

Our worship engages minds, hearts, and bodies, and acolytes help engage our sight just as our choir engages our hearing. As an acolyte, you'll support our clergy to ensure services flow with reverence and grace. Just as our worship space connects us to scripture and tradition—like Saint Michael carved into our reredos—the movement of acolytes creates similar connections, such as when the book bearer elevates the scriptures at the altar.

WHY JOIN THE ACOLYTE CORPS?

Spiritual Growth: Acolytes experience worship and liturgy more directly and intimately, deepening their spiritual formation through meaningful service.

Community Connection: The Acolyte Corps is one of our few ministries welcoming members of almost all ages. Whether you're attending solo and seeking community, new to the parish and looking for new friends, or a family wanting to serve together across generations, you'll find vibrant fellowship that transcends age, gender, and life experience.

Flexible Service: Perfect for those who can't volunteer on weekdays, acolyte service adapts to your schedule, weekend travel, and preferred worship services.

"This is a unique ministry that combines service with spiritual formation, and is open to everyone and can be done any week," says Tony Briggle, Head Master of Acolytes.

JOIN ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S LARGEST ACOLYTE CORPS

This is an ideal time to become part of the Saint Michael Acolyte Corps—one of the largest in the country. As we prepare for growth in our transformed building, we're investing in improved training, resources, communication, and leadership opportunities.

NEW LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE

A newly formed Acolyte Corps Steering Committee is leading these exciting changes:

Tony Briggle, Head Master of Acolytes
Michael Blachly, Head Master of Acolytes-Elect
J.C. Snead, Head Master of Ceremonies
Katherine Blachly, Head Verger
Van Sheets, Communications Chair
Rachael Jones and Haley Dettra, Training and Advancement Chairs
David Thompson, Scheduling & Membership Chair
Jeanne Snead, Vestments & Equipment Chair
Julie Allen, Special Services Chair
Open Position, Recruiting Chair

This leadership transformation represents months of dedicated strategic planning to better serve our growing community.

ABOUT THOSE LITURGICAL DETAILS

To answer those earlier questions: The person leading our procession carries a "verge"—they're called a Verger. Historically, vergers swung their staffs to clear pathways through crowds in ancient English cathedrals. Today, our vergers connect us to this tradition while providing modern service coordination.

The swinging metal container is a thurible, carried by a thurifer who distributes incense. While incense originally helped counteract odors in crowded ancient worship spaces, today it enhances our spiritual experience and connects us to millennia of Christian worship.

LEARN MORE

Are you drawn to the beauty of our worship and fascinated by how serving at the Altar can become a deeply meaningful spiritual practice?

Join us and be part of the next generation of Saint Michael acolytes! Visit saintmichael.org/acolytes to learn more about this transformative ministry that combines service, community, and spiritual growth. You can also contact us at acolytecorps@saintmichael.org or fill out the form here and someone will reach out to you.

**This article was written by Michael Blachly and was featured in the 2025 Fall Archangel.