Liturgical Ministries

All are welcome volunteer for our liturgical ministries – contact our Parish Administrator.

Altar Guild

In the words of Presiding Bishop Curry, “People go to church to refocus. Focus on God. What you do for God matters. The altar guild helps us to refocus. Focus on God the Creator then follow Jesus into the world.” The altar guild is charged with this awesome responsibility and privilege of tending to the Sanctuary and enabling our congregation to engage in worship that is filled with order, beauty, peace, and tranquility. The Altar Guild is responsible for preparing the altar before all services including communion, baptisms, weddings, funerals, and memorial services. They set up for each service and assist the priest and chalice bearers before the service, as needed. After each service they clean the altar area, wash, dry and put away all communion vessels, linens and vestments.

Lay Lectors and Chalice Bearers

Lay lectors and chalice bearers play a vital role in the service each weekend at St. Stephen’s. The lay lectors read the lessons and lead the congregation in the psalm of the day and the prayers of the people. The chalice bearers administer the cup at Communion and assist the priest at the altar.

Choir and Handbell Choir

The Parish Choir and Handbell Choir, directed and accompanied by Dianne Cangelosi on the organ and piano, provides music for the 9:30 service. Rehearsals are Sunday Morning’s from 8:30-9:15 a.m. The St. Stephen’s Handbell Choir was established during the Covid-19 pandemic, so that we could have music even though we could not sing.