MINISTERS OF HOSPITALITY - Ushers

Ushers and Greeters are called to be Ministers of Hospitality. They are entrusted with promoting a sense of welcoming and belonging to all the faithful assembled for worship. They are the first point of contact for the communal celebration of the Liturgy and because of this, should take special steps in being living representatives of the Parish Mission Statement. Ministers of Hospitality minister to the entire community in a very active way. By freeing each person of their own personal impediments to the Mass through a welcoming atmosphere, ministers of hospitality take an active role in enabling each person to come to a freer expression of God in the Liturgy.

What is an Usher?

The ministry of ushers is the oldest lay ministry in the Catholic Church. The ushers of today have descended from a long line of people of God who have gone before them. In 1 Chronicles, we see the roots of the ministry where they are called the “gatekeepers.” The more immediate predecessor of today's usher can be found in the clerical order of porter, instituted in the 3rd Century A.D. During those times, it was the duty of the porters or ushers to guard the door of the church against any intruders who might disturb the service. The porter duties were so important that they came to be included in the rite of ordination, where they were specified as: "to ring the bells, open the church and sacristy, to open the book for the preacher."

In 1972 Pope Paul VI abolished the order of porter and this important task was given over to the laity. While today's ushers don't ring bells or open the church, their primary duties and responsibilities include greeting and welcoming parishioners as they enter the church, help them to find seats, take up the collection, and wishing everyone a good day at the conclusion of the Eucharistic Celebration.

Who can be an usher?

Those who desire to serve as minister of hospitality ‐‐ whether Usher or Greeter ‐‐ should be active and faithful members of the Church. They should be of good character and reputation, have respect for others and use discretion and appropriate decorum.  Above all, ministers should be noted for their care of the assembly. 

There are roles in ministry of hospitality for men, women, and children.  If you are interested in joining this ministry, please contact the Parish Office at 715-223-3048.