or "What every priest considering a verger ministry in a parish might want to know"
Many times during the year, we are contacted by rectors and other clergy who are considering starting a verger ministry in their parish. This section will help the parish better understand the benefits of having a verger or vergers working in their midst and what they might expect as a result of getting started with this ministry of service and welcome.
In each parish, the verger serves at the pleasure of the rector or the priest in charge and the position of verger is normally an appointed position. Having a verger on call to check on details prior to a liturgy allows the clergy to be available to greet parishioners, welcome visitors and respond to pastoral concerns. The rector/vicar/priest in charge works with the verger to assign the tasks specific to that parish that are the responsibility of the verger. We estimate that the verger's duties are typically 90% behind the scenes and 10% in the service.
An ideal candidate for the verger position may already be supporting the clergy by checking on the setup of the chancel prior to the service. A verger typically interfaces with the altar guild and ushers to make sure everything is in place. The verger makes sure the readers are signed in and chalice ministers are assigned. The verger serves to organize the procession and may be the acolyte master as well. The verger might have the responsibility to train lectors, chalice bearers and ushers. Anytime a liturgical visitor comes the verger welcomes that person and shows where vesting and seating will be. If someone does not show up, the verger finds a replacement, or at the last minute, should be prepared to fill in. The verger must be able to be flexible, double check everything and have an "eagle eye." The verger is thinking a few minutes ahead as the service progresses and is watching to see that all was planned is set to occur.
As a priest considers beginning a verger ministry in his or her parish, specific duties might be assigned to the verger. In some parishes the verger is not vested in the liturgy at first. Vesting and processing in the liturgies might be added on Feast Days initially. Over time, a verger, wearing a simple cassock, moving around the nave getting everything ready is a real asset, because that person is available to all as a source of information. The visitor can ask about Sunday school offerings, or where the nursery or restrooms are located. For special groups, like pre baptismal training, weddings or ordination rehearsals, a verger can be very effective helping in making large groups of people feel comfortable. Especially at the time of a funeral, the verger can work with the various funeral homes to assure that the church's guidelines are followed. Members of the parish welcome the office of verger in the liturgy, because that person is another source of information for routine questions and it allows the clergy to be more available for personal conversation.
Even in small parishes, a verger can be invaluable to the priest. As your parish size and number of services increase, a team of vergers is nice to have. Periodic meetings with the clergy help all the vergers know what is specific to each liturgy. Each verger should provide the identical support for each service.
We strongly recommend the
Guild's training course, "A Course of Training for a Verger" for any candidates both experienced and new to the ministry of verger. If your parish does not yet have a "virge," the course is a great way to present an official Vergers' Guild Virge to your verger along with their course certificate of completion.
Our Guild wants to be responsive to any priest who wants to consider this ministry. Please
contact us if you have specific questions.
