Lay ministry is an important part of parish life and fully encouraged at St. Michaels. We are blessed to have a happy and committed group of Servers and Deacons who assist at many of the principal services.
Servers, like the Choir, are there to assist in, and give dignity to the worship of Almighty God. A group of four servers cover the 9.30am Sunday service, a Crucifer (Cross Bearer), two Acolytes (Candle bearers) and the fourth carries the Bible used for the Gospel reading. Other duties involve accepting the bread, wine and collection at the offertory from the congregations representatives and sidesmen.

It is a privilege to serve in this way and a wonderful opportunity for young and old to have a greater involvement in our worship. The Servers sit in the Sanctuary and wear a plain white alb. All our servers are members of the Carlisle Diocesan Guild of Servers.

At principal celebrations of the Eucharist, the Celebrant is assisted by Deacon and Sub-Deacon. These assistants are usually lay people licensed by the Bishop to assist with the administration of Holy Communion. Lay assistants wear the traditional vestments of Dalmatic and Tunicle appropriate to their function in the liturgy. Historically, the Dalmatic was a garment of Byzantine dress which became adapted for liturgical use. The Dalmatic (worn by the deacon) has two horizontal bands, and the tunicle (worn by the sub-deacon) has one. These vestments will be in the colour of the church season and match the Chasuble worn by the Priest.

Servers and Deacons are involved in the Gospel procession, where the Bible is carried into the centre of the nave, so that one of the Gospels may be prolaimed to the congregation. The crucifer leads the procession, followed by the acolytes, the sub-deacon (or fourth server) carrying the bible and then finally the Priest or Deacon (whoever is reading).