St. John's had the honor of hosting the annual Diocesan Altar Guild Meeting on Saturday, October 25th at 10 AM EST. The event started off with a 10 am Mass and then the altar guild members representing the various Episcopalian churches in NYC met in our undercroft for lunch and a brief meeting. Our special guest was Father Burns of All Saints in Bayside, Queens. Father Burns gave a brief lecture on the various colors of the Church season and colors of the Burse and Chalice Veil associated with the seasons. Thanks to everyone who turned out to support this event. CLICK HERE For Pictures

Burse: The square pocket or purse that is made to contain the corporal, post-Communion veil and puriflcators. It is placed over the veiled Chalice and Paten on the Altar before and after the celebration of the Holy Communion. Additionally, it is a cover consisting of two squares of stiffened material in which the corporal is kept. Its liturgical use in the Eucharist has been general only since the 17th century. In earlier times the corporal was kept either in the missal or in some form of a box or bag.