ALTAR GUILD

    DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The purpose of the Altar Guild is to make ready the Altar of God and its surroundings for worship.  Its members perform the vital behind the scenes preparation for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.  We are always ready to prepare the Altar for worship, weekly; on holy days and for special services such as weddings; baptisms; memorials; funerals and whenever asked to do so by the priest.

The parish priest is ultimately the director and should be consulted whenever a question or doubt arises.  The priest or church office informs the Altar Guild chairperson of any specia service, in turn he or she will inform the Altar Guild member or team of that week as to what is needed and offer to assist if possible.  If that member or team is unable to accommodate the need, the chairperson, will perform the duties required or call upon other guild members. 

At St. Joseph's Episcopal Church the Altar Guild Manual is more than a handy guide, it is a step by step instructional manual which is followed closely.  This Manual is updated as needed; this too is the responsibility of the chairperson.

      The Altar Guild at our church consists of four teams, one team for each week of the month.  Each team has three members. Once each month on their respective week each member has a specific duty: #1 performs the set-up,

usually on Saturday, for the first of Sunday"s services; #2 cleans the utensils, changes the linen and makes ready the altar for the second service; #3 cleans and stores the utensils for future use.  When available, guild members alternate their schedule to accommodate appropriate needs of our church.  If a stand-in or trade of schedule is needed we contact our fellow members to do so.

Occasional gathering of the guild members, weather in the format of a meeting, a tea or a luncheon, encourages a sense of belonging, acquaints those who attend different services and possibly fosters friendships.

When a position should be filled, the chairperson recruits for new

members and encourages the entire guild to do the same. 

New/additional members are always welcome and encouraged in this vital ministry.

St. Joseph's current Chairperson is Gloria Hughes. 

She can be reached at:  386-462-2936 or Yousguys@windstream.net