Worship Support Ministries
Worship at the Cathedral depends on the efforts of hundreds of parishioners whose support and dedication allows services to run smoothly. All of our liturgical volunteers are leaders who facilitate the congregation’s prayer. We encourage you to consider being involved in any of the following areas.
For more information or to sign up for any of these liturgical ministries, please contact Canon Cathy Zappa, czappa@cathedralATL.org or 404-365-1043, or Hillary Jones, hjones@cathedralATL.org or 404-365-1038.
Youth Acolytes
Youth acolytes, sixth grade and above, assist at the worship services at the Cathedral. Training is offered at the beginning of each school year and throughout the year as needed. For more information, contact Keith Dumke, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries.
Adult Acolytes
Adult acolytes assist in the 4 p.m. worship services as well as other special services at the Cathedral. Training is offered as needed throughout the year.
READ A LETTER FROM STEWART MCDONOUGH ABOUT ADULT ACOLYTES
Altar Guild
If you are looking for a more contemplative way to serve the parish by supporting worship, joining the Altar Guild is an excellent option. Members of the Altar Guild prepare the altar and set the credence table for the celebration of Holy Eucharist on Sunday mornings, for Evensong (during the program year), and for the weekday 12:15 p.m. Eucharists, and then clean up afterwards. Most members regularly serve at one service a month in one or more categories (i.e. Sunday mornings, Evensong, weekdays). No previous Altar Guild experience is necessary. We are happy to show you how to do it!
READ A LETTER FROM MARY CAROLINE CRAVENS ABOUT THE ALTAR GUILD
Baptism Guild
Baptism Guild members serve on the day of baptisms by greeting families, preparing baptismal records, and assisting the clergy.
READ A LETTER FROM LISA MCNAMARA ABOUT THE BAPTISM GUILD
Brass Polishing
These members polish all the brass used in worship services, including railings, candlesticks, and alms basins. Volunteers are divided into teams, serving two or three times a year.
Choirs
The Cathedral’s choirs offer music ranging from plainchant, European continental masterworks and the Anglican tradition, to African-American Spirituals, music of the Episcopal and other American worship traditions, and premières by living composers. Learn more »
Eucharistic Ministers
Due to pandemic protocols, we currently are not able to distribute wine for Communion and therefore not able to use lay Eucharistic Ministers.
Eucharistic Visitors
These confirmed members take the Holy Communion from the Sunday services to those who are homebound. Training is offered occasionally throughout the year.
Finance Count Teams
These teams are responsible for counting the offering on Sunday morning. Each team of four or five members serves every other month during the Sunday morning services. Team members often discover a great opportunity for fellowship in this “behind the scenes” ministry. To volunteer, please contact Charles Jacobs, 404-365-1070 or Melana Dickson, 404-365-1074.
Flower Guild
The Flower Guild arranges the flowers for Sunday services, festivals, weddings, funerals, and receptions. The entire guild helps install flower arrangements for the Christmas and Easter festivals. Altar flowers in the Cathedral and Mikell Chapel may be given in memory or in thanksgiving of loved ones, or in celebration for a special occasion such as a birthday. While altar dedications vary in the amount donated, the minimum suggested donation for Christmas or Easter dedications is $125 per name. For information on donating, contact Liz Aull, 404-365-1034, laull@cathedralATL.org.
Funeral Guild
This group of parish members assists at funerals through hospitality and the altar guild, in addition to ushering and greeting guests. The Funeral Guild provides important assistance, hospitality, and worship support for funerals. Many a mourner has commented about how much this guild’s ministry meant to them.
Intercessors and Lectors
These confirmed members read the scriptural lessons or lead the congregation in the Prayers of the People during the Sunday morning Eucharist.
Ushers
Approximately 350 men and women serve on usher teams, greeting and welcoming members and visitors, distributing worship leaflets, assisting in the seating of our worshippers, and being attentive to those who need assistance. During Holy Communion they assist people moving to and from the altar rail.
The usher ministry is in need of ushers for all Sunday morning services, Evensong and non-Sunday services, Christmas Eve or Holy Week services. Ushers typically serve at seven to nine ushered services a year, two consecutive Sundays at a time.
Should you be interested in joining the Usher Ministry, please speak to one of the ushers wearing a white, yellow or red carnation. They will take your name and contact information. You will be contacted to discuss your availability and assist in selecting a team you may wish to join.
READ A LETTER FROM ROD BUNN ABOUT uSHERING
Wedding Guild
Wedding guild members work with each couple before their wedding rehearsal, assist the clergy with the rehearsal and coordinate preparations for the ceremony on the wedding day. The guild is the welcoming committee for those getting married as well as their families and guests. We want all participants and attendees of Cathedral weddings to feel welcome, blessed, and have a beautiful experience.
The Guild welcomes and needs new members.