We are clear that worship is central to our life at the Cathedral. Everything else we do begins and ends there. It reminds us of who we are, children of God, and who we are called to be, followers of Christ. It heals us and gives us strength and courage to respond to the Gospel in all that we do and to know the joy of life God has given us.

Worship Leadership Opportunities

Acolytes - serve at the Altar during worship assisting clergy and lay worship leaders, as crucifers by carrying the processional cross, torchbearers, processing with the Gospel book, receiving offerings, assisting at the table, and performing other important functions. The ministry of acolytes allows our youth to serve as worship leaders each Sunday and at Diocesan services throughout the year.

Altar Guild - prepares the Altar and the worship space including arranging the flowers, polishing and cleaning Communion vessels, ensuring that the altar hangings are the appropriate color, caring for the fine linens used in the service, decorating for special worship services, etc.

Chalice Bearers - are appointed and trained by the Dean to help clergy administer the wine at Communion. They assist in the reading of lessons and in leading the Prayers of the People. You may see them serve as acolyte at our 8am worship service. They are licensed by our Bishop to serve in this ministry.

Intercessors and Lectors - Intercessors lead the Prayers of the People-the offering of concerns of the congregation, the universal Church, the community, the nation, and the world to God. Lectors read the first lesson of Holy Scripture at the Eucharist.

Ushers - greet and usher people to their seats for worship, guide the congregation during worship and oversee the collection and offering of gifts at the Eucharist. They direct parishioners and visitors from their seats to the communion rail at the time of receiving communion.

Vergers - lead the procession of clergy and choir, usher the readers to and from the lectern, lead the procession of the offering of gifts at the Offertory, and maintain a smooth flow of movement throughout the worship service.

Worship Committee - advises the Dean on the Cathedral's liturgical practices and assists in planning of special worship services. They recommend the use of General Convention approved alternative liturgies to supplement our Book of Common Prayer.

Choirs - our Chorister program, affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music, provides excellent musical and liturgical training for young persons in grades four through twelve. The Choristers sing as part of the Cathedral Choir, composed of many gifted Cathedral members. Together, they facilitate the participation of the wider congregation in liturgical music of all styles. Our choirs offer glorious musical leadership for our worship and special musical programs throughout the year.

Music Committee - is a group that advises the Dean and organist on matters and issues relating to, and helps support, music at the Cathedral. They plan special music offerings throughout the year that involve our choirs and other outstanding musical talent, such as the Hartford Chorale and the Lunch...Plus! programs held on first Thursdays from September to May.

Interested in participating in any of these groups?
Please contact the Cathedral office for more information regarding these leadership opportunities. Any member of the clergy will be happy to answer questions about these roles in the life of our Cathedral.