On a dark and rainy September
16th, Acolytes and chaperones left the parish hall parking lot
around 11 pm and traveled all night to Washington D.C. There they were met by
another sponsor and two other acolytes who had come down earlier. Their first
destination was Springfield and the home of Dan and Kate Simmond; who opened
their floors, cots, couches, and beds (for the adults) to our pilgrims. Once
all were gathered the group then headed to the Washington Mall where they
walked around and visited the aeronautics museum.
Saturday afternoon, the group
headed for the National Cathedral where they were to participate with another
group from Massachusetts in a pilgrimage around and in the grounds. Unexpectedly
they were treated to a partial tour of the Cathedral by the Rt. Rev’d John
Chane, Episcopal Bishop of Washington D.C., before they connected with the rest
of the pilgrimage. The group had time to listen to the sacred stories of the
building and reflect on their own relationship with Christ and our Creator.
After the pilgrimage, they returned to Springfield for spaghetti, down-time and
sleep.
They group awoke to the
smells of Dan’s pancakes and other edible goodies made by Kate. Then began the
rush to get ready for the 11 am service at the Cathedral. Saying their
goodbyes, and thanks, our acolytes headed out and placed themselves in the
procession of the service. There they joined other dignitaries from
Massachusetts and heard our Bishop, the Rt. Rev’d Thomas Shaw preach the
sermon. After the service they mingled around, shopped in the gift shop then
changed and hit the road for home. Weary but excited, all arrived back safe and
sound at approximately 2 am Monday morning.
Our acolyte pilgrims were – Ian and Seantel Trombly; Tommy, Ashton,
Nikia, and Ashley DiGiorgi; McLean and Douglas Rankin; Ian Milam, who
were joined by Gillian Rankin and two friends of the Trombly’s. Our thanks to
the DiGiorgi’s, Ruth Milam, Deb Trombly (and friend), and the Rankin’s for
chaperoning. Special thanks to Lynn Rankin as Acolyte Parent for all the work
and organizing she did to see this successful event took place. Finally, our
thanks to Dan and Kate Simmond for opening up their home and allowing the
opportunity for everyone to meet and make new friends.
