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     Some of these require formal education; for others, special training is provided. Still others can be learned easily from the “old hands” who ease newcomers into these roles. All of these ministries are described below. If you are inter­ested in serving in one of them, contact the church office by e-mail or phone (757-595-5521).

     The worship of God is the foundation of St. Stephen’s existence, and its priest, trained in seminary and ordained by bishops, is its princi­pal minister, administering to parishioners the Holy Sacraments.

     As priest, Father Scott leads us in our worship, delivers the homily, and performs the fundamental act of blessing the Eucharistic Elements for distribution to the faithful.

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 Acolytes

     Acolytes assist the clergy in Sunday services and special liturgies. At St. Stephen’s, boys and girl in grades 3 through 12 may volunteer to receive the proper training and serve as acolytes. They wear special a special vestment, the alb, secured with a rope belt (the cinc­ture), and a cross, all provided by the church.

     Acolytes have important roles:

• Bear the Processional Cross and torches during processionals and recessionals.
• Light and extinguish altar candles—and the Paschal candle, when present.
• Present the Gospel book to the congregation and hold it while the priest reads from it.
• Exchange the alms basins with the ushers.
• Carry the unblessed Elements (the bread and wine) from the ushers to the priest.
• Ring the altar bells (also known as the sanctus bells).

     If you would like to volunteer or wish more information, contact Dan Mason via e-mail or phone (757-591-8852).

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Altar Guild

    This volunteer organization prepares the church and chapel for worship and special ceremonies, such as weddings and funerals. Its members care for the linens, vestments, vessels, candles, and other furnishings that enhance the meaning and beauty of our liturgies. They also manage the floral decorations of the church and order worship supplies. They are always happy to receive new members!

      For more information, visit the National Altar Guild Association; if you would like to join St. Stephen’s Altar Guild, contact Mary Swenson (757-595-9640) or the church office.

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Chalicer

     The chalicer, as one of the lay Eucharistic ministers, assists the priest during the celebration of the Communion and offers the cup of wine to the communicants. He or she wears the alb and cincture and processes and recesses with the priest, acolytes, and choir. For more information, call (757-595-5521) or e-mail the church office.                  

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     The crucifer carries the Processional Cross, a crucifix with a long staff, at the beginning and end of the service. The crucifer wears alb and cincture and often assists in other ways, such as holding the altar book for the celebrant and serving at the altar. This duty is usually performed by an acolyte. For more information, contact Dan Mason via e-mail or phone (757-591-8852).

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Thurifer

     On certain ceremonial occasions this server carries and swings the thurible, in which incense is burned during the Eucharist and other liturgies. The thurifer (or the celebrant) may use the thurible in the ceremonial censing of people or objects such as the Gospel Book or the Great Cross over our altar.                                                                          

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Ushers   

     These volunteers hand out the church bulletin — which contains the Order of Worship for the Sunday service — help seat worshippers, collect the offering, and provide wheelchairs and listening devices upon request. After the service, ushers pick up discarded bulletins and return hymnals and prayer books to the pew racks. Of course, they also join the Greeters in welcoming worshippers to St. Stephen’s, and may also serve at special services and funerals.

     For more information, or if you would like to serve as an usher, contact the church office by phone (757-595-5521) or e-mail.                                                                                    

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