Lay Readers and Chalice Bearers

Lay Readers at St. Mary’s read lessons, lead the Prayers of the People . Lay Readers administer the chalice during masses. Lay Readers also lead Evening and Morning Prayer and Stations of the Cross aa needed. We currently don’t have any regular youth acolytes so Lay Readers also serve as altar acolytes, crucifer and torch bearers as part of their duties. Our current Lay Readers are Jennifer Martin, Daniel Martin, Bob Bacon, Carol Seward, Lorraine Fazekas, David Gardellin and Barbara Frake. M.J. Dolo serves as a crucifer when he is available on Feast days.

Thurifer

The thurifer carries and swings the thurible in which incense is burned during some of our eucharists and other liturgies. Our current Thurifer is Toby Harnischfeger.

Verger

A verger is a layperson who assists the clergy and helps with the smooth operation of services. They may be involved in various aspects of worship ensuring the physical environment is organized, and leading processions. Our current vergers are A. Davis Parker, Jr. and Barbara Frake.

Altar Guild

Our active Altar Guild serves after each mass, caring for the altar furnishings, linens and vestments.

Current Altar Guild members are Jennifer Martin, Marie Johnson, Arlene Tieman, Bernadette Boyle, Amy Ancharski, Gail Haney, Barbara Frake and Susan Harnischfeger.

Chimers

On Sunday a chimer climbs the tower steps to the chiming platform 15 minutes before the 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 services to play. Starting with “Changes” which are ringing the bells up and down the scale with variations. After the Changes, Hymns are played prior to the start of the service. An Amen is played after the last hymn, then tolling begins. Tolling is the ringing of a single bell at even intervals. When the service is ready to begin the service a call is made to the steeple and a “call to service” is played and the service begins. Chimers also can chime for funerals, weddings and other special occasions.

Our current Master of the Chimes is Bob Bacon assisted by Daniel Martin.

You can read more about the Bells and Chimers here