Members of the Diocesan Altar Guild got to experience the life of a great cathedral in a way many visitors do not. As we arrived, a large high school choir was singing. As we listened to the music fill the nave, we had some time to explore on our own. A knowledgeable guide led us on a tour of the highlights of the cathedral. No doubt some of our questions were tricky to answer. Following the tour, I was honored to preside at a eucharist in the St. Ambrose chapel. Although our group sang acapella, the acoustics gave us a boost!
Following the Eucharist the Assistant Sacristan gave us a behind- the scenes look at the several small sacristies in use. To our surprise, some were not much more than walk-in broom closets! Only the newly renovated robing rooms for the bishop and cathedral clergy could have aroused envy among guild members. In short, our trip to the Cathedral Church of St. John was, well, divine!
Article submitted by The Very Rev. Laurence G. Byrne, Chaplain, Diocesan Altar Guild of Long Island