Even though the history of verging and vergers goes back over 700 years ago, the ministry of service and welcome from the vergers of the Episcopal Church is thriving in the twenty-first century!

The verger's logistical support allows the priest more time for pastoral and sacramental responsibilities. We often say that every parish has a verger whether they are identified as such. Some typical verger duties are assigning, training and checking in lectors, chalice bearers, acolytes and prayer intercessors. The verger often coordinates with the altar guild and funeral guild. In some parishes the verger checks lighting and sound.

The specific duties of the verger is specific to each parish church. In some parishes, the verger will process at all liturgies. In others, they only process on Festival days. Especially helpful with visiting clergy or special services, the verger checks on additional seating, hospitality and welcoming newcomers. Most parishes, either small or large, and clergy who incorporate the verger position wonder why that wasn't done earlier!

Today, the Vergers' Guild of the Episcopal Church offers a self study training course. For even the experienced lay minister, the training course 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 and an official Guild virge. A course graduate is recognized as a "Fellow in the Vergers' Guild of the Episcopal Church."

This site is particularly helpful in helping the verger of today with the resources that they need to fulfill their ministry of welcome in their own parish.

Please contact us if we can be of any help to you in the process of more fully understanding your role as a verger in God's church.