Altar Guild

Contact: Rod or Ann Pierce (01483 505816)

The Holy Trinity and St Mary’s Altar Guild is an informal association of the chalice ministers, servers and sacristans of the two churches. (The clergy of the parish also attend). Its main purpose is to generate fellowship between the members of the Guild, but it maintains regular discussion on the forms of service and how the chalice ministers, servers and sacristans can best serve the clergy and the congregation in the conduct of the services. The clergy instruct the Guild members in liturgical and spiritual matters.

The Guild usually meets three times a year, in the spring, the summer and the winter, the meetings being convened by the Altar Guild organiser. The Guild provides Guildelines for the members which are updated regularly.

The Rector selects and invites members of the congregation to become Chalice Ministers, and full training is given. New chalice ministers attend the deanery-wide training, often given at the Cathedral education centre, and in the church,  but the Guild is always very pleased to have volunteers as servers and sacristans. Younger members of the congregation from about 10 years of age, even if not confirmed, are very welcome as servers. It is not difficult and is a very good way of being involved in the worshipping life of our church.