Can anyone explain to me the hierarchy of the Church of England high church? My son has recently joined a church choir and I am very confused about who is who. There is obviously a vicar (or is it priest) but there are also many other church personnel, including another man who often takes the service (particularly when the vicar is away), a man who unlike the others is always robed in black and seems to do a lot of the church maintenance. There is also a group of about 4 men in robes, who sit at the front and usually carry candles etc. during the procession, as well as assisting with the holy communion? Plus there are 2 church wardens. What is there role? And we are often visited by bishops and an archdeacon. How do they fit in? I am very confused by it all. Can anyone explain?