How Shall I Serve Him?

 

Opportunities for Service at Trinity

 

The International Order of St. Vincent Service of Admission - September 17,  2006

Left to right: back row: George Allen Deacon Greer, Fr. Jim Krehemker, Fr. Forest Burgett.

Left to right: front row: Ean Kelly, Harris Mgbike, Kinsley Mgbike,

and Bob Ryan, Order of St. Vincent Warden

 

 

THE INTERNATIONAL ORDER OF SAINT VINCENT

 

 

Introduction

The International Order of St. Vincent (OSV) is made up of lay ministers and lay leaders who follow the liturgical practices of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.  OSV believes that our Lord calls lay people to the ministry just as He does the Ordained Clergy; however, they recognize we are under their authority and direction and it is their ecclesiastical direction which guides us as to the type and manner of service we perform.  Anyone who is called, trained and authorized according to church canons to perform a lay ministry, can become a member of the OSV.  This includes Acolytes and their Adult Leader, Altar Guild (Sacristan), Chorister, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Lay Readers/Lectors, Subdeacons, Vergers, Ushers, and Greeters.

History

The Order was named for Vincent of Saragossa.  The protomartyr of Spain, St. Vincent was born at Huesca and became deacon to Bishop Valerius, who had a speech impediment.  He blessed Vincent to preach on his behalf.  When the persecutions ordered by Emperor Diocletian began in Spain, the two were among the first arrested.  Questioned by the governor, Dacian, at Valencia, both refused to renounce their faith and to sacrifice to the false gods.  Valerius was exiled and Vincent was subjected to frightful torture when he refused to sacrifice to pagan gods or surrender the sacred books of his Church.  In prison, he converted his warden, and died there due to the effects of the tortures in 304.  St Vincent is remembered for his love of God, his faithfulness to his Bishop and his unswerving loyalty to his responsibilities.

 

The Order dates back to 1882, when the first Guild of St. Vincent was formed at St. Clement’s Church in Philadelphia, where the acolytes joined together in prayer, study, and training as a part of their service at God’s altar.  It was officially founded on the Feast of Vincent of Saragossa (January 22, 1915) at the Church of the Advent, Boston (which remains the oldest Chapter today) to serve Anglicans/Episcopalians in all of the North American countries.  In 1939, the OSV affiliated with the Scottish and British acolyte guilds.  There are parish chapters in almost every state in the U.S.  The Trinity Anglican Chapter was formed in 2006.

 

OSV Purpose, Objects & Rules of Order

 

The Purpose of the Order -

  • To emphasize a world-wide fellowship of lay ministers within the Catholic Communions of Christ’s One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church
  • To encourage every lay minister at our Lord’s altar to have a progressive rule of life based on all of the Church’s Sacraments
  • To instill within each lay minister an interest in proper liturgies within their branch of the Church
  • To pray that all members will consider their service as lay ministers to be a vocation

 

The Objects of the Order -

  • To promote holy living among its members
  • To promoted loyalty and full cooperation to the clergy and lay readers
  • To encourage regular attendance at the Holy Eucharist, and more careful preparation for its reception
  • To promote unity in Christ and friendship and brotherhood among lay ministers
  • To teach the complete Sacramental Faith as taught in the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, and to promote the practice of the same

 

The Rule of the Order -

  • To pray each morning and each night
  • To be faithful in the reading and study of the Holy Scripture
  • If physically possible, to be present at the Holy Eucharist every Sunday and Holy Day
  • To make due preparation before the service and to say the prayer of the Order’s prayer
  • To attend Mass and receive Communion, if possible, every Sunday and Holy Day, and to be duly prepared through self-examination and confession
  • To fully cooperate with, and support the clergy and other spiritual leaders
  • To always speak reverently of Holy Things and when in Holy Places
  • To pray for the Order and all her members
  • To pray for the unity of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church

 

Membership

  • Membership in the Order of St. Vincent is an option.
  • Dues are collected (initiation and annual) from individuals that desire to join.
  • If interested, you may wish to revisit the above material and then speak to Bob Ryan, OSV Warden.

 

The International Order of St. Vincent Purpose – Trinity Anglican