Please refer to Worship Opportunities for full details.
"At all celebrations of the Liturgy, it is fitting that the principal celebrant, whether bishop or priest, be assisted by other priests and lay persons."- The Book of Common Prayer
Sunday school is held each Sunday morning starting at 9:30. It is held on the second floor of the Parish House and is lead by Sister Susanna.
Sunday Coffee Hour, held in Gardner Hall or in the church garden (weather permitting), is a long-standing tradition at St. Paul's Church. It provides a weekly opportunity for the congregation to gather after the principal service for fellowship and light refreshments. It also provides an excellent occasion for welcoming visitors from far or near.
Members take turns hosting the coffee hour each Sunday. Please sign up in Gardner Hall to host or contribute to our Sunday Coffee Hour. Gardner Hall is open daily from 8a.m. to 6p.m. or contact the Church Office at 508-228-0916 or send an
Acting as acolytes, lay persons assist in the liturgy by carrying the processional cross and candles and by assisting the celebrant in preparing the altar for the Eucharist. Serving God on the altar is a ministry that adds to the beauty and dignity of the liturgy. It is an ancient tradition that fills a spiritual need in those who are called to it.
Volunteers are encouraged to serve on a team of two or three acolytes. Acolytes are expected to be regular members of the parish community who are familiar with the liturgy and are baptized Christians. There is regular training for new acolytes, as well as seasonal 'brush-ups' for veterans. All who are interested in serving, especially young people, are encouraged to join us.
Contact: Curtis Barnes or call 508-228-4133
The Altar Guild is a rewarding ministry serving our Christian community in
celebrating God's blessing, centered in the Eucharist. Membership in the Altar Guild offers an opportunity to prepare for the Eucharist by serving on a team, whose role is to set the altar and maintain the linens, vestments, and vessels necessary for sacramental liturgy. This ministry offers a 'behind the scenes' look at what goes into liturgy, as well as an invaluable service and gift to the whole community.
Altar Guild members serve on rotating teams, setting up for Sunday Services on Friday or Saturday morning and tidying the sacristy after regular Sunday worship. The Altar Guild also prepares for special holiday liturgies, baptisms, weddings, and funerals.
Finally, following weekend services, the Guild distributes flowers, to those in our community whose lives would be be made better by the gift of flowers. This includes those in poor health, or their families, and celebrants of anniversaries or birthdays or any person or family selected by the Church.
Contact: Dottie Gennaro via email
The majority of our lay ministers are licensed as Eucharistic Ministers to assist with the chalice at Holy Communion services, under the direction of an ordained priest. Eucharistic Ministers are an important part of the fabric of St. Paul’s Church, as they support and help strengthen the role of the ordained clergy in the celebration of the liturgy. Their presence at the altar during weekly services is one of the most visible and active of our lay ministries.
Contact Curtis Barnes or call 508-228-4133.
Lay Readers perform an important ministry at St. Paul’s Church. They are trained to read the Old Testament, New Testament, and lead the Psalms and the Prayers of the People at the Sunday service(s). They are very visible and valuable ministers in all of our worship services.
Contact: Curtis Barnes via email or call 508-228-4133.
A friendly welcome from an usher gives an important first impression to visitors to St. Paul’s Church. Ushers are a visible part of all services. They hand out bulletins, seat latecomers, take up the collection, guide communicants to the altar rail, and are present to answer questions and assist with specific needs.
After each service, ushers collect stray bulletins, straighten kneelers, and rearrange hymnals and prayer books. Ushers are representative of our Christian mission of hospitality, and we are always in need of more smiling faces at our door.
Worship Leaders are licensed by the diocese to lead services, such as Morning and Evening Prayer, and to conduct weddings, funerals, and memorial services, as appropriate. Currently, St. Paul's Church has several licensed Worship Leaders, who also may function at services in the absence of an ordained clergy member. One of the important ministries of the Worship Leaders is to take communion from the reserved sacraments to such places as Sherburne Commons and the Island Home, as well as to parish members who are unable to attend services.