The Altar Ministry

The altar ministry is an integral part of worship at St Paul's. It consists of lay people who assist the Priest on the altar each Sunday to provide a meaningful worship experience. Members of the altar ministry participate at 8 am 10 am Eucharist as well as additional services throughout the year. At the 8 am Eucharist an acolyte assists the Priest with the preparation of the elements and the receipt of the offering and a Eucharistic minister (EM) serves the chalice to communicants.

At 10 am service the priest is assisted by two Ems, an acolyte and two taper bearers. The taper bearers are reserved for younger children who carry the tapers in the processional and light and extinguishes the altar candles. The acolyte also carries the cross during the processional. At other services through the year--Christmas Eve, Easter Sunday, Weddings and Funerals-- additional people sometimes carry the St. Paul’s banner and serve as a thurifer (incense bearer).