A grateful heart is the first qualification of an usher as this is a ministry of true service and assistance.  Ushers are team players that the Church relies on to help maintain a smooth flow before, during and after a liturgy.  These “go-to” men and women play an essential role in welcoming guests in the door with a smile.  This act of hospitality is the first key role of an usher.

Ushers also assist in preparing for mass by ensuring guests can find a seat, take up the weekly collection, direct the communion procession, and distribute special handouts and envelopes at Mass. They are prepared to assist with emergency situations and make sure that the church is clear of all handouts and tidy after each Mass.

There is a sign-up book on a table in the back of the church which provides parishioners an opportunity to carry up the gifts of bread and wine at the Offertory procession. The ushers check the book each Mass to see if someone has signed up. If no one has signed up, the ushers may invite parishioners to take part in this simple but meaningful ministry.

Ushers are placed in teams or “crews” of four ministers.   Each team is scheduled on a monthly rotation with that crew.  Special Masses are scheduled through our ministry scheduler and involve ministers from various teams.

Teams are coordinated with the help of an usher captain. The role of captain is reserved for a dependable and organized volunteer. A captain must be well informed of the usher duties and can help direct his or her team. They should be able to communicate well with their team by phone, email, text message or by weekly conversation. Captains are encouraged to report regularly to our director of liturgy.