This October, nine acolytes from St. John’s Church in Oklahoma City traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the National Acolyte Festival at Washington National Cathedral. They joined thousands of acolytes from around the world, flying streamers and kites in a grand procession and exploring one of the nation’s most iconic cathedrals.
During their visit, they toured the crypt where Helen Keller and Matthew Shepard are interred, contributed to the Cathedral’s Lego replica, enjoyed breathtaking views of the city from the Pilgrim Observation Gallery, searched for the famous Darth Vader grotesque on the Cathedral’s north side, and posed for a final photo beneath the Lych Gate on their walk back to the hotel.
The trip was made possible through the generous support of the St. John’s congregation. It marked St. John’s eighth pilgrimage to the festival since 2009.
Patricia Ridden, who has served in St. John’s acolyte program for 48 years and currently serves as Acolyte Master, reflected on the ministry’s impact: “I hope to let kids know that what they do matters, and that with faith in God, they can make a difference in the world.”
