Researching the Role of SD - Part 2A.

Four Sundays and I'm on! My next step in studying the Subdeacon role was to again sit in the Cathedral last Sunday and watch the Subdeacon, Deacon and Celebrant. To complicate matters the Bishop was also there and the Dean has gone overseas. As a consequence, things were done slightly differently with less bowing and genuflecting. The Bishop and Deacon administered the Chalice (the Celebrant, the Host), so that meant the Subdeacon did not have to do anything at the actual receiving of bread and wine..... The Subdeacon on that day is a good friend and so informed me afterwards that you need to be on your guard the entire service to detect the subtle differences in how different priests celebrate the Eucharist...be prepared to be flexible! Bishops are notorious for being unpredictable apparently.....

Thursday (Ascension Day) my friend dropped round a book on intercessions and the lectionary. Procedure for second reading and intercessions:

1. Check lectionary (2008 Year A) for the readings for the appropriate Sunday HC (Holy Communion). Mine is the 3rd Sunday after Pentecost.

2. There are two NT readings to choose from - which one will they choose?? (Mental note: Ask!). Once reading has been found, copy and practise marking sentences for emphasis etc. (Nothing worse than trying to listen to someone who hasn't practised the reading). If there are any points that "stand out", try to weave them into intercessions...sounds hard!

3. Intercessions. Must not be longer than 5 minutes!!

4. Intercessions - check order in Prayer Book for Australia. (World and trouble spots, Archbishop of Canterbury, Lambeth preparations, our Bishops).

5. Intercessions - check Janet Nelson's book for inspiration (I can't help thinking of the Vicar of Dibley episode where Geraldine had a complete mental blank for her Christmas sermon).

6. Intercessions - arrive early and check intercession book for names of sick on prayer list and those who have recently died or have anniversaries. (Mental note; Check pronounciation of surnames). Also mention any saints.

7. Chalice - beware...as you walk the wine moves from side to side in waves particularly if the chalice is full. Therefore....maintain a "stately, upright posture" in order to keep wine movement at minimum! (..and I thought the slow stately walk was from a sense of ceremony and dignity...LOL!)

Tomorrow Ascension Sunday - acolyte 2.