Vergers

A Verger is a person committed to serving our Lord, Jesus Christ, from within the Church. A Verger is a Lay Assistant to the clergy. He or she may be a full-time or part-time staff person, a paid volunteer member, a ceremonial and/or a working individual. The Verger serves the Lord and His Church through a very special, unique, and time-honored lay ministry.

The position of Verger dates all the way back to the middle ages where he was the Protector of the Procession. He led and protected the clergy as they processed to the Church or Cathedral. He had a large mace (a verge) that he used to keep away the animals and the riffraff that might attack the clergy or procession. The Verger was also the doorkeeper and holder of the keys. Since the ancient times, the Verger has had many different titles and duties assigned to him, some of which continue today. These various duties could include Parish Clerk, Business Manager, Doorkeeper, Acolyte, Layreader, Chalice Bearer, Sexton, Janitor, and Grave-digger, for example.

As a lay assistant to the clergy (Bishop, Deans, Canons, Rectors, Vicars), the Verger also oversees the preparations for the service and the liturgy. The Verger can act as Master of Ceremonies in many instances. Preparation of the service and its liturgy and the knowledge thereof are of great importance. With the help of the Verger, the service should run smoothly, so that the clergy and congregation can concentrate on the liturgy and prayers, their meanings, and their thoughts. The best words a Verger can hear are, "It went so smoothly".

Traditionally the Verger in the Anglican Church is one who serves as sacristan, caretaker, usher, and general attendant. Our purpose at St. Mark's is also to assist the clergy, choir director, organist, ushers, and the congregation. Some of the various duties of our Verger include:

• Assisting the handicapped to and from the communion rail;

• Directing parents with infants to the narthex when the infant becomes distractive to the service;

• Conveying messages or instructions from the clergy to another individual, such as the organist, choir director, usher or AV room attendant;

• Directing congregation to the nave previous to the service.

There is one Verger vestment to be used by all. It is a very beautiful garment imported from England. Also, the badge of office for the Verger is a key hung on a long neck ribbon, which is worn over the vestment.

The Verger always leads the processional and recessional, directly ahead of the Crucifer and/or Thurifer.

Please visit the St. Mark's home page for a link to this month's rota.