A verger is a person who assists in the ordering of religious services, particularly in Anglican churches. They are usually laypeople, and their duties can vary from parish to parish. The title of verger arises from the ceremonial rod they traditionally carried known as a virge (from the Latin virga, "branch, staff, rod"; see virgule) . The office of verger has its roots in the early days of the Church of Englands history, and historically, vergers were responsible for the order and upkeep of a house of worship, including the care of the church buildings, its furnishings, and sacred relics, preparations for liturgy, conduct of the laity, and grave-digging responsibilities. Today, the duties of a verger can include anything from purely ceremonial tasks to parish administration, leadership of the worship committee, sexton, and more. The basic vestment of the verger is a black cassock. The ministry of vergers is supported and encouraged by the Vergers Guild of the Episcopal Church.