The St. John’s Altar Guild is the ministry of preparing the sanctuary for worship. The Altar Guild is under the direction of the Rector, and, because of the high privilege of serving in God’s sanctuary, membership is approved by the Rector and extended through the Altar Guild Mistress. The work of the Guild is done largely “behind the scenes” by members who are faithfully on duty at the Altar year round. The duties of the Guild involve the preparation of the sanctuary and chapel for Mass on Sundays, holy days, festival days, and special occasions including weddings and funerals. Altar Guild members provide “set-up” and “clean-up” for services and are assigned to a mutually agreeable duty schedule. The Altar Guild also cares for the linens and vessels used in the Eucharist, as well as brass furnishings, altar frontals, vestments, and other liturgical garments. If you are a member of St. John’s Parish and are interested in this important ministry or would like further information, please contact the Rector at the church office (601.428.7252) or Mistress of the Altar Guild, Jennifer Myrick.

To download our Altar Guild manual click on the image of Saint Martha, the patron saint of Altar Guild workers.

The St. John’s Lector’s Guild exists to fulfill the rubric at page 322 of the Book of Common Prayer that at celebrations of the Holy Eucharist, “lay persons appointed by the celebrant should normally be assigned the reading of the Lessons which precede the Gospel.” The Lectors’ Guild is composed of approximately 40 persons who have been selected and trained to read the Lessons at the Sunday Masses, at Evensong, on major Feast Days and other occasions. Lectors are assigned to read the Lessons on a rotating basis and are expected to do so clearly and with dignity and to be able to project their voices throughout the church with minimal amplification. Recruitment and qualification sessions for persons seeking to become lectors are held annually, and refresher training sessions for those already serving as lectors are held as needed. If you are interested in participating in this important ministry, you may contact Pat Myers by email at.

Resources for St. John’s Lectors