Dear Friends of the Vergers' Guild of the Episcopal Church,

I would like to personally welcome you to the web site of The Vergers' Guild of the Episcopal Church. The Guild supports our members and others through education, service and fellowship.

Vergers serve the church in a ministry of welcome. Often a visitor to a new parish church will see the Verger in a simple cassock moving about the church preparing for worship. The Verger is able to respond to any inquiry concerning the upcoming service, church facilities or current program offerings. Among other duties, the Verger's logistical support allows the clergy more time for pastoral and sacramental responsibilities.

We often say that every parish has a Verger whether they are identified as such! Many of the typical verger duties include assigning, training and checking in lectors, chalice bearers, acolytes and prayer intercessors. The Verger coordinates with the Altar Guild and Funeral Guilds and in some parishes the verger even checks lighting and operates the sound. All of the Verger's duties are certainly specific to each and every church and can evolve through many years.

Some parishes have a verger or Vergers at all liturgies and others only on Festival and Feast days like Easter, Pentecost, and All Saints'. Especially helpful with visiting clergy or special services, the Verger checks on additional seating, hospitality and welcoming newcomers. In most parishes, either small or large, the clergy who incorporated the verger position will wonder why it was not done earlier!

Among the many resources available to all Vergers on our web site, the Guild offers a comprehensive self study training course that is designed to fully train the Verger. Even for the experienced lay minister, it is helpful in forming the Verger's understanding of how best to support the worship of the parish as prescribed by the rector.

One is not required to take the course to be a member of the Guild, however doing so results in being awarded a Certificate of Completion. A course graduate is also recognized as a Fellow in the Verger's Guild of the Episcopal Church.