Worship Ministries
Worship at Grace Cathedral involves the participation of not only the clergy and the assembled congregation, but also the support, assistance and coordination of several dedicated groups known as Liturgical Guilds. These people work behind the scenes to prepare items needed for worship, and they participate in the service itself. Membership prerequisites vary — some roles provide an excellent introduction to a more involved worship experience for newer congregants and others require a more developed understanding of our worship life.
We welcome people of all ages to participate in these ministries. Key to all these roles is a desire to serve, enhancing one's own worship experience and that of the gathered community.
Acolytes
Members the Guild of the Transfiguration, our acolytes, participate in our Sunday worship services. They carry the cross, torches (candles), and banners in procession and assist ordained ministers at the altar as servers. Training is available, offered two or three times a year. Love of liturgy and a passion for participatory service are the strongest requirements for this work.
Our online scheduler can be found
here.
Contact: email
Jeffrey Hookom, Liturgical Administrator, or call 415-749-6393.
Nave Chaplains
Our Nave Chaplains serve Monday through Friday as a pastoral presence in the Cathedral during the day. They meet and welcome tourists and other visitors, as well as preside at a brief midday Eucharist with a very short homily (about 3 minutes). Many nave chaplains bring their lunch and take a break to eat with staff in the Chapter House after that 12:10 p.m. service, and then go back to the cathedral to greet afternoon tourists. Most serve once a month or more if they’re able.
Our online scheduler can be found
here.
Our calendar of readings can be found
here.
Contact: email
Jeffrey Hookom, Liturgical Administrator, or call 415-749-6393.
Ceremonial Vergers
Ceremonial vergers escort our processions, carrying staffs of symbolic authority. Vergers also lay out and put away the vestments before and after a service. Training is required and is offered a couple of times a year. The Guild encourages aspiring members to be familiar with Episcopal liturgy.
Lectors
The members of the Guild of St. Chrysostom read the Old and New Testament lessons at the Sunday morning liturgies. They also participate in special services at Christmas and during Holy Week, including the reading of the Passion Gospel and the readings at the Great Vigil. A strong, articulate voice is required. Auditions are conducted periodically during the year.
Our online scheduler can be found
here.
Our calendar of readings can be found
here.
Contact: email
Jeffrey Hookom, Liturgical Administrator, or call 415-749-6393.
Sunday School Teachers
Weekly Sunday School classes are taught by volunteers who commit to blocks during the school year. Curriculum and teaching materials are provided, as are required training and certification. Love of children is a must; some teaching experience is helpful, but not necessary.
Contact: Carren Sheldon, Associate for Family Ministry, or call 415-749-6369.
Eucharistic Ministers: Chalice Bearers, Eucharistic Visitors and Healing Ministers
Eucharistic Ministers, or chalice-bearers, are lay (non-ordained) people who assist in administering the wine at Holy Communion. Experienced Eucharistic Ministers who are called to a special ministry are trained as Eucharistic Visitors, carrying the consecrated bread and wine from the Eucharist to homebound congregants. Healing Ministers are lay people called and trained to share in the Cathedral's ministry of healing, through prayer and the laying on of hands, during the principal Sunday morning service.
Our online scheduler can be found
here.
Contact: email the Rev. Mark Stanger, or call 415-749-6318.
Cathedral Camerata
The Cathedral Camerata is a mixed-voice ensemble that sings a diverse repertoire of chant, Renaissance and Baroque motets, Anglican anthems and newly composed sacred works. The group offers an excellent opportunity to serve in a vitally important ministry to the community. Cathedral membership is not required. Camerata rehearses on Wednesday evenings and sings twice monthly at Sunday Choral Evensong, Sunday morning Eucharist, and at festivals. Singers must have choral experience, read music, and commit to regular rehearsals.
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild is responsible for preparing and caring for the altar linens and vessels we use in our daily worship. On a monthly rotation, these volunteers spend several hours laundering and ironing linens, polishing silver, and setting up for the weekly services. Responsible, organized, and detail-oriented people with a solid knowledge of our liturgical protocol are preferred. Aspirants serve an apprenticeship before becoming members of this guild.
Contact: email Elaine Belz, Assistant Verger, or call 415-749-6300.
Bread Bakers Guild
Our bread bakers prepare the loaves of bread used for Holy Eucharist at Sunday services. This is a wonderful opportunity for home bakers to share in the sacramental life of Grace Cathedral.
Contact: email Elaine Belz, Assistant Verger, or call 415-749-6300.
Flower Guild
Flower Guild members help arrange floral decorations throughout the Cathedral for all services, with special efforts at Easter and Christmas.
Contact: email Charles Shipley, Head Verger, or call 415-749-6316.
