Ushers greet and welcome all people as they enter our church. They will provide seating assistance when necessary and, in general, present themselves as available assistants wherever help is needed.

Responsibilities include:

• Attend any training or ministry review sessions scheduled
• Arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled Mass/service
• Prepare the physical church for the service, being especially aware of weather related issues
• Secure a replacement from the Usher list, if you are unable to serve your scheduled assignment
• Volunteer, if needed, at an unscheduled service
• Wear agreed upon appropriate attire
• Display a warm and welcoming presence as the worshippers arrive
• Be alert to the needs of any who require physical aid and those who may be unfamiliar with the parish
• Assist the worshippers with seating, especially during a crowded service when individuals may be requested to move in order for all to be seated
• Make a concerted effort to find family members of the person(s) for whom the Mass is being celebrated to take up the gifts at the Offertory. If not the case, find different members of the community to take up the Offertory gifts to the altar at each Mass
• Take up collections at the appropriate time
• Maintain respectful silence once Mass begins, except where full participation in the service is encouraged
• Be alert to any medical needs, if they develop during a service. Know the medical procedures to be enacted (Phone 911, etc.)
• Disseminate the bulletins at the end of the Mass with a smile and a friendly manner
• Assist in the church clean up at the end of Mass
• Be familiar with the congregation counting procedure

Ushers:

• Be of high school age or older – male or female
• Be dependable
• Enjoy greeting people with a warm and welcoming manner
• Be comfortable with people who may have physical issues, are elderly, or are sick
• Be knowledgeable about the liturgical services and prayers
• Be an attentive person, who is able to respond quickly to perceived needs
• Confer with the Pastor, if you can identify anyone who might be a good Usher