A Working Manual for Altar Guilds. Dorothy C. Diggs

the Epiphany). It is recommended that, as far as possible, Baptisms be reserved for these occasions or when a bishop is present.”

      —The Book of Common Prayer

THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION

      The altar setting for the Order of Confirmation depends upon the type of service at which the Confirmation is to take place, that is, whether the service is Holy Communion or Morning or Evening Prayer. Frequently, however, it is a special service and if so, the altar should be covered with the prayer cloth over its standard vestments.

      The color for confirmation is red (though white is often used), and if red flowers of a suitable kind are obtainable, these would be most appropriate. White flowers may also be used or a carefully chosen combination of the two colors.

      Since confirmation may rightly be thought of as an ordination of the laity, a special candle signifying the presence of the bishop of the diocese may be put upon the retable or altar, gospel side, next to the cross. In some dioceses this is done only at ordinations. If the officiating bishop at confirmation is other than the diocesan, the candle is omitted.

      The bishop usually brings his own vestments and equipment. The vestments worn by the attending clergy are those of local custom with the stoles usually red. Each bishop has his own method of procedure and, if necessary, will give instructions to the rector to pass on to the Altar Guild workers.

      FIRST COMMUNION

      The admission of young children to the Holy Communion will sometimes take place on a special occasion developed within an individual parish's tradition. An early Christmas Eve service has been used in some churches with success.

      The Altar Guild responsibilities on this occasion will be the same as for any eucharist. Special directions may be given by the rector for this particular service.

      Some parishes are now using the “confirmation veil” as a First Communion veil. These are of white voile or organdy, easily made, cut about thirty to thirty-six inches square with one and one-half inch hem. A yard of white silk ribbon or tape may be stitched for about ten inches at the underside of the top center, to go around the head and tie under the hair in back. It is best to have two sizes of veils. The veils should always be kept clean and be pressed before each use.

      Altar Guild members are responsible for putting the veils on the young ladies and for collecting them after the service. Pins should be provided, if needed, to hold the veils at the top of the hair.

      All should be veiled and in readiness a half hour before the service to avoid last minute confusion, and the work should be done well out of the way of the vesting clergy.

      The Symbol—The IHS, the Sacred Monogram, is made up of the first three letters of the Greek word for Jesus.

      The Symbol—Symbol for the Church, the Body of Christ, the redemptive society. The ship, with the cross as mast, carries the faithful over the sea of life to eternity. The fish, ICTHUS, is the early Christian symbol for “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour.” May be used as a symbol for Baptism. One becomes a member of the Church and is cleansed of sins through washing with water.

      The Symbol—The Bishop's mitre: symbol of the Episcopacy. Used symbolically to designate any rites or ceremonies at which Episcopal ministrations are required, such as confirmations, ordinations, consecrations, dedications.

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      Festivals and Seasons

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ADVENT

      The shell symbolizes Baptism, which is our entrance to the Christian, and Church's life. The Church year begins with Advent, the penitential season which precedes Christmas.

      There are four Sundays in Advent, and the color used is purple. As will be mentioned later in Chapter 7, under “Flowers,” some churches do not use flowers on the altar during Advent because of the nature of this season of prayer and preparation for the coming of Christ. The word “advent” means “coming.” If flowers are used they should not be the white of festivals but should harmonize with the violet vestments and hangings.