Usher Ministry

Welcome to the Usher Ministry page.

If you are already active in this ministry and are looking for a schedule, you can find it Here. If you are just interested in learning about the ministry, please read on.

This is essentially a hospitality ministry. One of the most important things we can do in the church is help people feel more welcome. This is the essence of what we do in this role. If you think about it, the church is our Father's house. Shouldn't everyone feel welcome here?

If you want to learn more about how central this is to our church mission, please go to the page on Community Building.

Large numbers of people gather here for liturgy, and they represent a broad spectrum of faith experiences and every person brings their own unique personal story. Some people are very knowledgable about the church, and understand a great many nuances concerning proper behavior and church etiquette. Others come here seeking, not really knowing what they are looking for. They may have no understanding of Church at all, but they know they feel drawn to enter here.

Ushers are responsible for helping everyone enter safely, find a place within the congregation, and find the fullest possible experience of the Mass that they are capable of on a given day. This is no small task. There are hundreds of people, and each brings a different set of needs and expectations. Our job is to help facilitate a meaningful and inspiring worship experience for everyone present.

There are several aspects to this challenge.

First, Set the highest possible example.
in dress
in demeaner
in reverance for the sacraments.

Second, gently inform and form those present.
remind them to respect the liturgy of the Word.
remind them to respect others.
remind them to be welcoming.

None of this is easy. It takes a unique personality to be caring and welcoming, while at the same time showing enough leadership to maintain order and a degree of control. Ushers are a critical part of the liturgical ministry team.

If you would like to read more detail about the role of Ushers and the expectations the ministry involves, please read the Usher Guidelines.

If you are an active Usher, please review the following key points from Msgr. Lathem.

1. Do not allow seating during any of the readings.
This includes the First reading, the responsorial psalm, the second reading, the Gospel, and the homily.

2. Please limit the use of the main aisles after Mass has begun.
This includes the center aisle, and the aisle in front of the new seating area after the Mass has begun.

3. Offer every person a seat. If they choose to stand, that is their choice.

4. At the first collection, be in position at the end of the creed.
I must stress how important it is that these collections start early and end quickly.

5. Start the second collection immediately after the extraordinary ministers finish distributing communion.

6. Please work diligently to control the traffic flow at communion.It is critical that you show leadership, helping people move in an orderly, reverant way.

7. Please give your Mass Coordinator your full and enthusiastic support. These individuals carry a great deal of responsibility, and eager, well-trained Ushers can be extremely helpful to the Coordinator, and the presiding priest.

8. Do Not seat people in the choir area after Mass has begun.

Thank you for your service in this vital ministry.

If you are not an active Usher, but would like to be trained as one, please fill in the form below.