Altar Guild work is a privilege and honor. The Rector has especially chosen us, and we must work with humility. We are the “arm of the priest” (or perhaps more like the stage crew). He expects from us certain qualities, such as personal Christian devotion to the church and to the service of God’s Altar.

Through our work at the Altar, in the Sanctuary, and with the Holy Communion, we come to feel the real presence of God more strongly, and this sets our duties apart from our busy lives. The symbolism and meaning of the vestments, linens, and vessels are helpful to us if we use them.

At St. Mark’s, Altar Guild members work on teams, each team serving once per month, setting up on Saturday and cleaning up on Sunday. Our duties include insuring proper liturgical colors for all vestments and hangings on the pulpit and lectern, preparing the Communion vessels for all services and for the shut-in visitation kits, setting up the altar, and laundering and ironing all linens. There are also special tasks associated with holidays, baptisms, weddings, funerals and memorial services.