Cathedral Verger and Acolyte Master at Washington National Cathedral – Washington, District of Columbia

Supervises and supports Cathedral services and events. Plays a key role in service planning and execution, managing the acolytes, care for liturgical items and managing supplies.ensuring an efficient and professional work flow, as well as high-quality internal and external services.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Supervises and supports Cathedral services and events.

Officiates and supports Cathedral daily offices, as needed

Conducts wedding rehearsals and assists clergy at weddings, funerals, and baptisms or delegates to verger teams

Supports school communities in planning and execution of school-sponsored events such as chapel services, graduations, concerts, and lectures.

• In the absence of the Head Verger or as directed, serves as lead verger and, conducts liturgical briefings for regular Sunday services and special services, and assists with the placement and movement of service participants during the liturgy.
• Supports non-liturgical events, such as programs, concerts, and special events, as directed.
• Collects monies from votive candle boxes, poor box, and daily offerings weekly.
• In conjunction with Head Verger, is responsible for care, maintenance, and security of all liturgical property.
• Reviews missals and chyrons for accuracy and, when department workload and staffing require, prepares missals andchyrons.
• In conjunction with the Head Verger, maintains Cathedral Book of Register. Records attendance, registration of communicants, pastoral offices and baptisms, etc.
• Prepares and conducts annual training of Lay Eucharistic Ministers and readers.
• Assists Head Verger with supervision of volunteer vergers; provides training and oversight.
• Manages stock of liturgical supplies: Oversees the ordering and stock control of essential liturgical supplies, including candles, oil, incense, communion wafers, and wine. Provides budget input for liturgical supplies, communion supplies, candles, vestments, and other supplies.
• Implement & Manages the Acolyte Program:
  • Actively recruits candidates for the ministry of acolyte.
  • Conducts annual intake sessions in the spring for prospective acolytes and their parents.
  • Compiles and distributes detailed information about duties, obligations, and compensation for the program, as well as application materials.
  • Prepares and distributes letters of acceptance, contracts, and employment forms for new acolytes.
  • Prepares and updates online acolyte schedule.
  • Provides extensive training for all new acolytes, and ongoing education for all acolytes.
  • Provides close supervision of the acolyte team prior to and during all scheduled services.
  • Updates comprehensive acolyte manual and resource guide.
  • Acts as a liaison with parents, schools, and the wider Cathedral community to maintain strong relationships and ensure acolytes are fully supported.

Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

· Experience as a verger in a large church or cathedral. Experience with volunteer coordination is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

· Commitment to the Cathedral’s mission and vision.

· Demonstrated administrative and leadership abilities.

· Strong team player; willingness to support and work with others within Worship Department and other departments, as well as worshippers and volunteers.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; hospitable attitude.

· Knowledge of and interest in the Episcopal Church and its liturgy.

· High level of initiative, attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and ability to perform multiple concurrent tasks.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and database management; ability to maintain an online calendar.

Working Conditions:

· Work on Sundays is to be expected, except when schedule rotations can accommodate a day off.

· This position requires work outside of regular business hours for special services and events, including evenings and weekends.

· The position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending and stooping in the performance of daily activities.

· The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard.

· The position also requires near and far vision for reading and preparing written reports and other required documents.

· Acute hearing is also required when providing phone assistance.

· The need to lift, drag, push and pull files, reports and other materials weighing up to 25 pounds is also required.

Washington National Cathedral is an equal opportunity employer and strives to create a more diverse and inclusive atmosphere for all. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

We support an inclusive workplace where associates excel based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance.

Washington National Cathedral seeks individuals who are committed to our mission. We appreciate interest from those who will contribute to an atmosphere in which diversity is valued and supported.