Usher
Welcoming all who come to worship.
The mission of a Catholic Church usher is Christian hospitality, serving as a minister of welcoming and order to create a smooth and prayerful liturgical experience.
Usher
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Who We Are
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Key Responsibilities
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Significance
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Who Can Serve
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Contacts and More
Ushers act as ministers of hospitality, creating a welcoming environment by greeting parishioners, guiding them to seats, managing the offering collection, and assisting with various needs during Mass, such as the Communion procession and in medical emergencies. Their role includes ensuring the church is in order, distributing bulletins, and providing a friendly presence to all, from long-time members to visitors.
Key Responsibilities:
- Welcome and Hospitality: Ushers are the first point of contact for parishioners and guests, offering a warm greeting and making them feel welcome.
- Seating: They assist people in finding seats, especially during busy Masses, and discreetly guide late arrivals to appropriate places during the service.
- Collections: Ushers collect the offerings (tithes) during the Mass, a key part of the offertory.
- Assistance: They are attentive to the congregation, providing assistance to those with special needs, young families, the elderly, and individuals who become ill or require aid.
- Liturgy Flow: Ushers help organize the movement of people during the Mass, such as directing the congregation for Communion.
- Bulletin Distribution: They hand out the church bulletins to parishioners as they leave.
- Church Maintenance: Before and after Mass, ushers ensure the pews and gathering space are tidy and in order for the next service.
- Emergency Response: They are prepared to handle disruptions, medical emergencies, or even the evacuation of the church with composure.
Significance of the Ministry:
- First Impression: Ushers are a vital first impression for the church community, embodying the Church’s hospitality.
- Support for Liturgy: By handling practical matters and needs, ushers allow the celebrant and the congregation to focus on the Mass and the sacred celebration of the Eucharist.
- Service: The ministry of an usher is considered a gift of service to the parish community, reflecting the biblical call to welcome others.
To serve as a Catholic Church usher, you generally need to be an active, registered, and practicing parishioner, baptized, and confirmed. You should be at least 16 years old, be able to create a welcoming and reverent atmosphere, and complete required Safe Environment training. Ushers are expected to have a hospitable demeanor and demonstrate a commitment to the Mass and the parish community.
If you are interested in serving as an Usher, please call the Parish Office to arrange a conversation with our Usher Coordinator.
Contacts:
- Barbara Martin is our Usher Coordinator.
Please call the Parish Office at (717) 665-2465 to arrange for a conversation with Barbara.