Liturgical Participants

Acolytes

Acolytes assist the clergy as an integral part of the worship service. The primary responsibilities are to light and extinguish the altar candles during the church service, to carry the cross and Bible into the congregation for the reading of the Gospel, and to assist the priest with Holy Communion. Acolytes must be at least 7 years old and are required to attend a training class.

Chalice Bearers

Chalice bearers help the clergy administer the sacrament to parishioners during the Eucharist. Instruction is given by the clergy as to how to do this.

Lectors

Lectors assist in all three church services at St. Mark’s by reading aloud the lessons and psalms (at selected services) for that week. All readings are done from the pulpit at the front of the church, and the text for each is printed in the church bulletin.

Litanists

As part of all worship services at St. Mark’s, Litanists recite the Prayers for the People, which include prayers for sister churches, parish families, the sick and shut in, and those who have died. All readings are done from the pulpit at the front of the church, and the text for each is supplied prior to each service.

Ushers

Users welcome worshippers as they enter the church and hand out the weekly service bulletin. Other responsibilities include bringing the elements of the Eucharist forward, counting attendees, collecting the offering, ushering people to the altar for the Eucharist, and counting the plate money following the service.

Additional Information

For more information or to volunteer, please email

Click here for St. Mark’s Liturgical Participant Schedule