The Ministry of Usher has had a long history in the church, stemming from the earliest days of Liturgical celebrations when the ministry of Service and Hospitality played a big role in the worshipping community. Today, that tradition should continue in conjunction with any other aspect of this ministry (i.e. seating, collections, bulletins, etc.).

Over nearly the past three years, both the Spiritual Life Ministry and the Parish Council have reviewed various suggestions, comments, and concerns which are outlined below in an effort to both better facilitate the Usher's role and to enhance the overall celebration of our weekly Liturgies. Your Ministry is an important and integral part of our Liturgical celebrations, and we are all grateful for your devotion and service.

1. Ushers should arrive 20 to 30 minutes before Mass. They should wear their emblem or jacket in order to be easily identified, and stand in the vestibules of both the main and side doors. This is important for greeting the people and to be available to assist the handicapped and answer questions, etc.

 

2. Individuals or families for Offertory Procession should be approached at least 15 minutes prior to Mass. They are to be instructed to come to the back of the church IMMEDIATELY when the collection nears or is at the back. A BOOK will be kept in a conspicuous place in the church vestibule if people want to SIGN UP to take the gifts up at a particular Mass. In this case those who have signed up should be clearly instructed to be sure to CHECK IN WITH THE USHER when they arrive for their "scheduled" mass.

 

3. The OFFERTORY PROCESSION should take place IMMEDIATELY when the collection is combined in one basket. Too often there is an unnecessary delay or lag between the time when the collection has been combined and the procession starts. Those taking up the gifts SHOULD NOT be given instructions at THIS time (that should have been done BEFORE Mass).

 

4. Attempts should be made to recruit individuals for the Offertory Procession when no one has signed up. It is not advisable to ask the same individuals each week or to have the ushers bring up the gifts (wine and ciborium).

 

5. At Communion time it may be necessary for ushers to help expedite a better flow of communicants up the center aisle. Too often, particularly when the4re are more than two Eucharistic Ministers, there are great gaps in the lines which cause people to "run" (quick step) up the aisle and create unnecessary delay during this part of the Mass.

 

6. AFTER Mass ALL DOORS should be CLOSED. WINDOWS may be left open after the 8:30 Mass if the AIR CONDITIONING is not on.

 

7. EXTRA Bulletins should be put back in the Usher's closet after Mass and pews checked for general tidying up.

 

8. Any SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS for ushers will be found on the bulletin board on the door inside the usher's closet. Please consult the FIRST upon arrival each week. If there is need for clarification check with the priest in the sacristy.

 

9. Late COMMERS should NOT be seated during the READINGS. They may be seated during the RESPONSORIAL Psalm after the First Reading or IMMEDIATELY after the Gospel (the Priest will pause a few moments before beginning the Homily). Ushers should take their seats (with their families or in the last pews) by the time of the Homily. They are NOT to stand in the vestibule or the back of the church (from the time of the Homily on) unless there are no seats available (possibly Christmas and Easter).

 

10. It is preferred that one usher stand at each side door immediately after communion to hand out BULLETINS. If this is not possible (do to a shortage of ushers) Bulletins may be left on the window sills after communion.

 

11. Closing windows after Mass is helpful, but should not be done until Mass is OVER.

 

12. KEEPING ATTENDANCE is important for future Liturgical planning, but this should not be done during the Homily or be a distraction to anyone.

 

13. Ushers can help to recruit new Ushers. Remember that this Ministry is for both Men and Women.

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Updated 5/2/01