Vergers' Guild

During services at Saint Anne, you might notice someone wearing a black cassock with a bright blue apron-like cloth (called a scapula) over it. This individual typically carries a wooden stick with a cross or brass ball at its end. The Episcopal Church USA refers to this person as a Verger and, while they are relatively new in routine service at St. Anne, they have been used in the church for centuries. Verge is the Latin word for rod or staff and the term “Verger” refers to the person who carries the verge.

What do Vergers do?

• Arrive early-prepare for church service, unlock doors, prepare nave, make certain that bulletins are ready, double check the altar to assure that it has been prepared properly, assure that all lay ministers (acolytes, chalice bearers, lectors, etc.) are present and are ready to perform their duties, make certain that processional participants are present and in proper order, ring bells to call parishioners to service.

• Escort the altar party-Vergers escort religious processions. This tradition began out of necessity when Vergers literally cleared the path of the procession and assured the safety of the clergy. In some instances, Vergers escort participants in the service such as the lectors to the lectern and other designated spaces at the appointed time during the service. This is done in order to avoid delays in the service and unneeded disruptions.

• Stay near the clergy in order to assist during services if anything is needed. Vergers must know where to find whatever is needed and be able to deliver it in a quiet and dignified manner.

• Greet and assist visitors and parishioners as needed. Be available to answer question about the service and also escort visitors around the church plant as needed and conduct church tours as requested.

• Secure vessels and vestments.

• Help clergy, Altar Guild and acolytes after the service to make certain that all vessels and vestments are stored properly.

Additional duties:
Members of the Vergers’ Guild conduct the training of the Lay Eucharistic participants such as Chalice Bearers, Lectors, Acolytes, etc.

*Lectors are parishioners whose duty it is to read assigned Old and New Testament selections during services. Lectors spend considerable time in study and prayerful reflection before reading given assignments. Their goal is to always share the Gospel Story in such a way that listeners may receive clear understanding and spiritual enrichment from the selections. Trainings are conducted at least quarterly so as to assure sufficient numbers of readers for each service. At present, a total of thirty-three lectors serve the parish and are divided among the services as follows:
7:45-Six
9:00-Twenty
11:45-Seven

Please contact Dianne Hawkins if you are interested in participating in one of the upcoming trainings.

*Chalice Bearers- Chalice Bearers are Lay Eucharistic Leaders whose privilege it is to offer wine-filled chalices to fellow parishioners during the Eucharist. These members are licensed by the diocese and are commissioned to serve a three year term; after which, they must sit out one year before being reinstated. Chalice Bearer Trainings are conducted throughout the year. At present, additional chalice bearers are needed particularly for the 7:45 and 11:15 services. Please contact Linda King if you are interested in participating in future trainings.

*Acolytes- support services in the following ways: Torch Bearers- as the name suggests, these individuals carry the torches in the processional; Crucifer- carries the processional cross; Server- assists the priests with preparation of the altar during the Eucharist. Acolyte service is open to youth and adult members ages 5 and over. Acolyte trainings are conducted at least quarterly. Additional acolytes are needed for all three services due to recent retirements. Any interested members should contact Bill Covington.

Our Team

Over the course of this past year, four new Vergers have been trained and installed into full service at St. Anne. At present, five full time Vergers serve the clergy and congregants of St. Anne with great pride and pleasure. They are Bill Covington, Dianne Hawkins, Linda King, Angie Hudson and Debbie Weldon. It is our goal to do everything within our power to make certain that the services at St. Anne are conducted in a prayerful and respectful manner free of distractions and interruptions. Please feel free to contact a member of the team directly if more information is needed about this ministry.