A verger is a person within the Church who assists the clergy in the conduct of public worship.
It is said that the verger serves the church in a ministry of welcome and the duties of the verger vary from parish to parish. Vergers can be full-time or part-time, paid or volunteer.
Their duties can be purely ceremonial or include other responsibilities such as parish administration, leadership of the worship committee, sexton, etc. He or she may serve in other capacities throughout the church; such as Sacristan, Acolyte Master, Sexton, Chalice Bearer, Lay Reader, Usher, Protector of the Procession, Doorkeeper, Grave Digger, Master of Ceremonies or anything else that the parish requires.
The role of the Verger dates back to the Middle Ages when the verger was the "Protector of the Procession." They led the procession into the church or cathedral, clearing the way for the procession and protecting it from vagabonds and animals that tried to attack it.
Today, in many parishes and cathedrals you will see a verger ceremonially leading the procession. The verger wears a gown and carries a virge to help clear the way and escort the procession.