Participation in Worship

There are many opportunities to participate in the worship, service and outreach of Saint Mark's. Lay people are actively and vitally involved in the worship of the church through the various service guilds. For more information about any of these ministries, please contact the verger, Daniel Russell, or the leader of that ministry, listed below.

Servers

Verger: Daniel Russell

Servers (or acolytes) are those who assist in all the ceremonial aspects of the Mass.  They carry crossses and torches and banners in procession, tend to the incense, and serve at the altar, assisting the priests in the rituals of worship. Mass is a daily affair at Saint Mark's, and some servers train to assist with simple Low Masses during the week, assisting the clergy at the altar and with the administration of communion as chalice-bearers. Since the liturgy of the church is something carried out by a community - not just by the priests - servers have a vital function at every celebration of the Mass. 

There is a way for almost anyone to become involved in the worship this way. Boys and girls, men and women of almost any age can all play a distinct role in the offering to God of ourselves in the liturgy.

Lectors

Lector Coordinator: Matt Griendling

Lectors read the first and second readings from the Bible at Sunday Masses and at special services. Some lectors also officiate at the simple but beautiful services of Morning and Evening Prayer during the week, contributing greatly to our mission to pray without ceasing. If you have a good speaking voice and a desire to engage the Scriptures in a special way, think about becoming a lector.

Ushers

Head Usher: Geoffrey Wildanger

Ushers are the first people visitors to the church usually meet. They greet and welcome people to all Sunday services and to special services throughout the year. They give our visitors their first impressions of Saint Mark's and have an opportunity to connect with visitors and help visitors connect with us. Ushers distribute leaflets, assist the disabled, record attendance, and collect the offering.

Altar Guild

Verger: Daniel Russell

The active life of worship at Saint Mark's and the care of the parish's extraordinary and unique collection of sacred vessels, vestments, and linens used in that worship depends on the commitment of the Altar Guild. This behind-the-scenes work is essential to the worshiping life of the parish. Altar Guild members can take on one or more roles, including preparing and cleaning sacred vessels before and after Mass, laundering and ironing the linens used during Mass, caring for clerical vestments, helping prepare for major holidays, and more.