Step into the Circle and Volunteer at Our Worship Services

Ushers have had a very significant role in the Church from its beginning. They were called “gatekeepers” in the Old Testament and, in fact, in recognition of their importance in the Temple, were given living quarters there, which made their duties of opening, protecting and guarding the Temple much easier. In the early Church ushers helped to welcome people and make worship go smoothly.

Two thousand years later, ushers’ duties, although modified somewhat over time, continue to be a vital part of our worship. Ushers remain in charge of the church building during the service. They prepare the church for the service; they meet, greet (and seat if appropriate) the congregants; and they ensure that the service can be conducted in an uninterrupted and meaningful manner.

Without question, ushering is an important and vital ministry.

Our usher teams always need new members, and we invite you to join.

If you would like to become a member of this ministry, contact our Coordinator for Membership and Volunteers: 410-267-9333 x204, volunteer@stannes-annapolis.org.

YOU CAN USHER IF YOU CAN:

• smile and greet congregants

• hand out bulletins

• prepare the sanctuary for the next service

• direct congregants to seats

• present elements

• be committed to your ushering commitment

• pitch in where needed

• coordinate communion traffic

• take collection

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING AN USHER CAN DO IS TO SMILE!

The ministry of the Altar Guild is the care and adornment of the Sanctuary and includes many choices to serve. These include:

• Preparing the Altar for the Holy Eucharist and the cleansing of the sacred vessels afterward

• Arrangement of flowers

• Assisting with weddings, funerals and baptisms

• Care of candles

• Polishing the silver and brass items

• Care of linens

• Plus an occasional “house cleaning”

The Sunday and weekday services plus the flower arrangements are done by members assigned to one of four teams. Each team serves for one week on a rotating basis. Different members of those teams set up for the service of their preference (or arrange the flowers) on the week designated for the team. This involves approximately one hour per week. We also have a dedicated team that serves at the 5:30 PM Saturday Mass.  Members of this team rotate on a weekly basis.  We provide training, and we have a manual which may be viewed and/or downloaded here.

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The Altar Guild is administered by a chair person, and each team has a team leader. In addition to the five teams mentioned above, there is a team leader for flowers, candles, brass cleaning and linens.  There is also a team leader for the Special Services Team who coordinates weddings, baptisms and funerals.

We hold at least one meeting per year which is both a social gathering and a business meeting.

Serving this ministry is truly rewarding, and we welcome new members. To join or for more information, please contact Judy Olson at jaolson45@gmail.com.