Groups and Guilds

Groups & Guilds

Acolytes - You’re never too old to serve as an acolyte! Adults and Youth alike have faithfully served as acolytes for St. Paul’s Cathedral as crucifer or torch bearers. This ministry is an important part of our liturgy and we are grateful for their willingness to serve. If you would like to join us, please speak to the Reverend Canon Deacon Jane A. Luck.

Altar Guild - Each Saturday & Sunday members of St. Paul’s volunteer to prepare/clean-up the Altar. If you are interested please speak to the Dean after the service.

Buildings & Grounds - This committee reviews all physical aspects of the Cathedral complex and the Deanery, and advises the staff and Vestry concerning maintenance, functional changes, new construction, and then monitors the progress of the projects once funding is allocated by the Finance Committee. The buildings of St. Paul’s represent the gifts of those who have gone before, us and are very substantial assets that support our missions. It is our responsibility to maintain and improve them for the future. Anyone interested can join us for our monthly meetings.

Common Threads - Do you knit? Crochet? Weave? Join fellow yarnists at the Deanery at 7pm on the 4th Wednesday of the month. For directions please call the office: 474-6053

Feminist Theology - The feminist theology group meets once a month on the first Wednesday. We have a comfortable group of participants both male and female, with varied ages, and varied ideals about church and spirituality. But all of us come with open minds to explore how God intersects in our lives. Our meetings take place at St. Paul’s or in members homes.

Flower Guild - At St. Paul’s we are blessed to have the finest flowers arrangements. Our flower committee works joyfully week after week to create different arrangements that dazzle our eyes and our noses. At Easter and Christmas the entire Sanctuary is transformed into lush colors of the season. The flowers at St. Paul’s add an element to the liturgy that many smaller churches are not able to offer their worshippers. The flower guild is always happy to take on new members. Have you ever wanted to learn the delicate art of flower arranging, or perhaps you are already an expert who would enjoy using your skill for a higher purpose? If so contact the office at 474-6053, and we will put you in touch with a Guild Member.

Friends of Music - is a group of kind and generous contributors to the St. Paul’s Music Program. These contributions help defray the costs of music and liturgical music events. Members are sent advanced notice of upcoming events and are listed in our Good Friday leaflet. Sponsorship is available for specific pieces of music, and or concerts. Contact Canon Musician Jim Potts for more information.

Morning, Noonday, and Evening Prayer Leaders - Do you like public speaking? Perhaps you would be interested in volunteering your time to lead one of our prayer services. Please contact the office. Dean Luck will meet with you, answer any questions you have, and explain what to do. Call the office and sign up Today!

The MDG Task Force - The Millennium Development Goals Task Force was formed in 2007. This committee is responsible for planning events to raise money to support the Millennium Development Goals and to end world poverty. Monies raised have helped in Southern Sudan, El Salvador, and the Syracuse Samaritan Center. The MDG taskforce coordinates the First Friday Dinners. This group of dedicated individuals meets monthly and seeks individuals who wish to serve a cause greater than themselves. Contact Dean Luck for information.

The Office Volunteers - Our office volunteers answer phones, greet visitors, sort mail, and perform a variety of office related tasks as needed. Are you a retired person who misses the office atmosphere? Would you like to get to know and work closer with the everyday workings of your Cathedral? Then sign up to be an office volunteer. Simply call the office and ask to be put in touch with Mary Hastings.

Pastoral Care Committee - This committee is the caring heart of St. Paul’s Cathedral. On a monthly basis Communion is brought to many members of our faith community who are unable to attend services. Leaflets of our Sunday services are sent every week. When someone is ill this committee responds by attending to the spiritual needs of that person, or simply lending them a helping hand. Beverly Bolton’s Greeting Card Ministry is part of this care. Other ministries include Easter and Christmas flower delivery. In the future we hope to be able to extend our service by way of the internet to our home bound members. You can join the Pastoral Care Committee led by Dean Luck, “For as you do unto the least of these, you do unto me.”

Samaritan Center Volunteers - St. Paul’s serves at the Samaritan Center three Sundays each year. At that time a full meal is prepared and volunteers work at all the jobs that would be done by staff. Anyone can join this wonderful ministry. For information and to find out when St. Paul’s will serve next, contact Mary Hastings by way of the office.

Service For Healing - There are a faithful group of worshippers who come to the Service of Anointing for Healing on Thursdays at 12:10. This group worship together and enjoy taking a break out of their busy day. This service often uses texts for the day that come from the Book Lesser Feasts and Fasts and offers an opportunity to learn more about the history of our church. We look forward to seeing you at 12:10.

Verger Guild - A verger is a committed lay minister within the Church who assists the clergy in the conduct of public worship, especially in the marshalling of processions. Vergers can be full-time or part-time, paid or volunteer. Their duties can be purely ceremonial or include other responsibilities. Usually thought of as someone who carries a mace or ceremonial staff in procession; vergers sometimes also had the responsibility for the condition of the interior of a church. Currently we are seeking new members for this very important guild. If you are interested please contact the office and we will put you in with our Verger Coordinator, George Anderson, III.

Women of St. Paul’s - Meet the third Friday of the month at 11:45, September—December, and February-June. Their mission is to provide fellowship, education, recreation and service to our members and the larger community. All members of St. Paul’s who are women are welcome to become members. Dues are $10 per year. Two fund raisers are held each year, a Christmas luncheon & Auction, and a Spring Tea. Monies raised support the Samaritan Center, Friends of Music, Food Bank, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

The Women’s Retreat - Each year women are invited to a retreat at the Beautiful Coursen home located in the Adirondack Mountains. This is a full weekend of learning and exploring, of faith, and fellowship. Different leaders are brought in each year to facilitate the retreat. Often this retreat occurs in the latter part of September.

St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral