Grace Cathedral

If you’ve ever marveled at the majesty of processions, the precision of liturgical “hand-offs” between readers, the celebrant and the homilist, or the sheer beauty of the altar adornment, you’ve admired the work of the cathedral’s vergers. Michael Hendron, the cathedral’s Principal Verger, explains “vergers prepare every ‘thing’ needed for the service.” From choosing candles to vestments, the verger’s role is to create an experience defined by its “beauty, elegance and, always, dignity.”

Making a meaningful impact for many through his actions is a big component of what makes Michael’s job so rewarding, “It’s affirming. For instance, when I grind up last year’s burnt palms, those ashes are used on Ash Wednesday, becoming part of the church’s corporate worship.”

When we give to the Sunday offering, or plate, our personal act of giving makes a big impact for many. Our offerings help keep cathedral operations running efficiently: your gift supports every “thing” that makes Grace thrive.

We are announcing Every Dove Counts, our year-long campaign to support our plate giving goal of $140,000. The campaign runs our entire fiscal year, July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. Each gift to plate, whether from a visiting worshipper or a long-time congregant, makes a difference. We’ll share and celebrate progress throughout the year – look for posters and visuals with the Dean’s Virge reflecting our advance toward goal.

Michael notes that when vergers are doing their job correctly, those worshipping in the pews barely notice them. Our gifts, however, shine a bright, hopeful light on the cathedral’s mission and community.

Thanks for considering the many ways to make your gift: text “GIVE” to 76278 or Give to Grace online today.

More from the Episcopal Church Glossary

Virge 

The virge is the staff which a verger carries in procession. The name comes from the Latin virga, “rod” or “staff.” It goes back to the ceremonial mace carried before civic and ecclesiastical dignitaries. It was originally a weapon used to clear the way for processions, and to control unruly choristers. The top has a cross or other Christian symbol on it. A longer variation of the virge is called the beadle’s staff, originally used to lead academic processions.

Verger 

A lay minister who assists the clergy in the conduct of public worship, especially in the marshaling of processions. Vergers may be full-time or part-time, paid or volunteer. The history of the verger dates back to the middle ages when the verger was the “Protector of the Procession.” He would lead the way, making room for the procession to enter the church from the town square, and with his virge (mace) in hand would literally clear the way if necessary. For a service, vergers wear a cassock and a long vest called a verger’s gown. The ministry of vergers is supported and encouraged by the Vergers’ Guild of the Episcopal Church.

Plate (Offering) 

Undesignated or “loose” offering of money that is among the gifts presented at the offertory (BCP, pp. 333, 361). The term may be used to distinguish the loose offering of money from pledge payments or gifts of money designated for specific purposes. The term is associated with the practice of putting the money in an offering plate or basin for presentation.