Elaine is the Head Sacristan of the Parish undertake much of the preparation for our liturgical celebrations, including providing all the things that are necessary for special days such as Ash Wednesday (ashes) and Palm Sunday (palms), weddings, baptisms and funerals and of course the busy seasons of Christmas and Easter.
They mark up the liturgical books needed for each celebration, lay out the appropriate vestments and arrange everything else that is needed such as cruets, chalices, ciboria, linens, oils. Breda, Catherine and Pat are part of a team that help Elaine. They also ensure that the vestments, church furnishings, liturgical vessels and other artefacts are kept clean and in good condition. Elaine orders the hosts and the wine and makes sure that there is a supply of clean purificators, corporals, hand towels, incense and charcoal. Graham used to wash the altar linens reverently and undertakes the burning of old linens and other objects no longer suitable for liturgical use. We are grateful to Catherine who undertakes this role. The Sacristan for the day should ensure that the sanctuary lamp candle is kept burning, that the altar cloths are changed regularly, and that the holy water stoups are always clean and replenished with holy water frequently.