AN ANGLICAN ALTAR GUILD MANUAL For Use In The Anglican Diocese of the South A lay project of the American Anglican Council and the Anglican Diocese of the South Introduction If you are reading this Altar Guild Manual, I would like to thank you for your willingness to serve our Lord by assisting the clergy in preparing for the worship of Almighty God. I cannot thank enough all of the faithful Altar Guild members who have helped me throughout the years!!! Their faithful service has not only eased my load as a priest, but blessed countless lives with their behind the scenes service of the Lord. May your service do the same. This Altar Guild Manual is meant to be a guide and a help for those seeking to properly prepare the Altar and Altar Table for various aspects of Anglican worship. It is not all- inclusive and care should be taken to follow the guidance of your own clergy in these areas. We are not liturgical legalists so please use what is appropriate in your setting and in your congregational tradition. This guide is meant to help things be done properly and good order (1 Corinthians 14:40) and in the beauty of holiness (Psalm 96:9). May you be blessed and know the Presence of the Lord as you serve at His Altar! Bishop Foley Beach July 2013 Prayer for Altar Guild Members Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, you have desired to be worshipped in spirit and truth, and in the beauty of holiness: I humbly ask you to fill me with your bountiful Spirit and bless the work of my hands and the thoughts of my heart; that I may serve you in holiness as I prepare your Altar for worship; that the congregation may know you through your Word and Sacraments; and may your Name be exalted in this place; through Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord. Amen. Contents Altar Guild ..................................................................................................................................................... 1 A Preface ................................................................................................................................................... 1 Altar Guild Mission, Purpose, and Membership ....................................................................................... 3 Altar Guild Training, Responsibilities, Tasks ............................................................................................. 4 The Altar Table .............................................................................................................................................. 5 Preparing the Altar Table for Holy Eucharist ................................................................................................ 6 A. Vesting the Chalice ............................................................................................................................... 6 Step 1 .................................................................................................................................................... 6 Step 2 .................................................................................................................................................... 7 Step 3 .................................................................................................................................................... 7 Step 4 .................................................................................................................................................... 7 Step 5 .................................................................................................................................................... 7 Step 6 .................................................................................................................................................... 8 Step 7 .................................................................................................................................................... 8 B. Other Items on the Altar Table ............................................................................................................. 8 Prepared Altar Table ............................................................................................................................. 8 C. Preparing the Credence Table .............................................................................................................. 9 Credence Table or Shelf Figure ............................................................................................................... 10 Preparing for Special Services ..................................................................................................................... 11 Baptism ................................................................................................................................................... 11 Baptismal Figure.................................................................................................................................. 11 Wedding .................................................................................................................................................. 12 Funeral .................................................................................................................................................... 12 After the Services ........................................................................................................................................ 13 The Liturgical Rinse ................................................................................................................................. 13 The Piscina .......................................................................................................................................... 13 Cleansing AFTER the Liturgical Rinse ...................................................................................................... 14 Chalice ................................................................................................................................................. 14 i | P a g e Paten, Lavabo, Ciborium/Breadbox, Flagon and other Vessels .......................................................... 14 Glass Cruets ......................................................................................................................................... 14 Linens .................................................................................................................................................. 15 All about the Altar Linens ............................................................................................................................ 16 The Fair Linen .......................................................................................................................................... 17 The Corporal ........................................................................................................................................... 17 Corporal Folding Diagram ................................................................................................................... 17 The Lavabo Towel ................................................................................................................................... 18 Lavabo Towel Folding Diagram ........................................................................................................... 18 The Purificator......................................................................................................................................... 19 Purificator Folding Diagram ................................................................................................................ 19 The Chalice Pall ....................................................................................................................................... 20 The Chalice Veil and Burse ...................................................................................................................... 20 The Post Communion Veil ....................................................................................................................... 20 The Credence Cover ................................................................................................................................ 20 The Cere Cloth ......................................................................................................................................... 21 The Underlinen ....................................................................................................................................... 21 The Frontal .............................................................................................................................................. 21 The Superfrontal ..................................................................................................................................... 21 The Protector .......................................................................................................................................... 21 The Pulpit ................................................................................................................................................ 21 The Funeral Pall ....................................................................................................................................... 22 All about the Sacred Vessels ....................................................................................................................... 23 Clergy Vestments .......................................................................................................................................