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.

The 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.

The Austin Organ - is newly restored to its original glory, including the addition of trumpet
pipes, providing outstanding accompaniment to our choirs and worship, periodically used for
symphonic concerts.

Music Committee - is a group that advises the Dean and the 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 own 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 or further
explain these roles in the life of our Cathedral.