Vergers
 Verger
Schedules
• Current
What
is a Verger?
The position of Verger originated as the Protector of the
Procession during the Middle Ages. The Verger led and
protected the Clergy as they processed to the church or Cathedral
carrying a large mace (Virge or staff) to keep away the animals
and rif-raf 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; some of which continue in parishes today. These
various duties could include Parish Clerk, Business Manger,
Doorkeeper, Acolyte, Layreader, Chalice Bearer, Sexton, Janitor,
and Grave-digger, fox example. Today a Verger can best be
described as a lay assistant to the Clergy.
St.
Bartholomew's Vergers
As a lay assistants to the clergy, the St. Bartholomew's Vergers
oversee the preparations for the service and the liturgy and act
as a Master of Ceremonies in many instances. They assist at
the Sunday morning services and at special services, weddings and
memorial services as requested by the Priests. Preparation
of the service and its liturgy, and the knowledge thereof, is
therefore of great importance. With the help of the Verger,
the service should run smoothly so that the clergy and
congregations can concentrate on the liturgy and their
prayers. As "servants of the day", they assist and
help in anyway needed behind the scenes.
For information about the Vergers of St.
Bartholomew's please contact
Mary Beth Westmoreland. Additional
information about Vergers is available from The
Vergers Guild of the Episcopal Church, The
Church of England Guild of Vergers, and The
Vergers of the Diocese of Texas
Verger's
Prayers
Almighty God, you equipped your prophet Moses and Aaron his
brother with swords to guard and guide your chosen people to the
Promised land: Pour down Your blessing,
we pray unto all vergers. Grant them grace to honor
the trust of those whom they serve, strength to faithfully and
reverently perform the duties of their office, and a fervent love
and devotion to the worship of your Holy Love; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty Father, from whom every family in Heaven and earth is
named, who has called us into the fellowship of Your Church,
grant, we pray, that in all our Churches we may fulfill the duties
and enjoy the privileges of our spiritual home. And on those who
offer themselves for service as Vergers in the House of God bestow
the fullness of Your Grace, that , united in love to You and to
one another, we may show forth Your glory and hasten the coming of
Your Kingdom. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
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