A person’s willingness to serve God in the capacity of an usher reflects their commitment to Christ. Ushers ensure the comfort of the assembly in the worship space and perform various functions during the liturgy. One of the most important duties that the usher has is that of hospitality. The usher is the first person that worshipers meet when they arrive at church. The usher has the opportunity and the responsibility to represent the rest of the assembly in offering hospitality.
People’s impression of a parish is significantly shaped by the presence or absence of a welcoming atmosphere where they come to worship. Offering a smile and a word of welcome can have a profound impact on people as they arrive. Ushers also assist in emergencies and ensure that the Church is in order before, during, and after the celebration of Mass. Men and women are welcome to apply to be ushers.
History of Ushering
The ministry of ushers is the oldest lay ministry in the Catholic Church. Today's ushers have descended from a long line of people of God who have gone before them. During the time of Christ, the doorkeepers of the temple numbered in the hundreds and were the forerunners of today’s ushers. The more immediate predecessor of today’s usher can be found in the clerical order of porter, instituted in the third 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's 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, and open the book for the preacher.” In 1972 Pope Paul VI abolished the order of porter and this important task was given to the laity. While today’s ushers don’t ring the bells or open the book, their primary duties and responsibilities include greeting and welcoming parishioners as they enter the church, helping them to find seats, and taking up the collection.
Duties of an Usher
Arrive at least 15 minutes before mass
Put out bulletins before Mass begins
Ensure that pews and Church are in order
Greet and welcome the faithful
Seat people as needed
Take up collections
Help the Communion procession
Assist those who have mobility difficulty
Open and close the entrance doors to the Church
Prepare the pews and Church for the next Mass
Performing other duties as requested by the Celebrant