Would you consider becoming an Usher
for St Monica's Church?
The Ushers serve as “first representatives” of Jesus Christ to our parishioners.
Priests, Deacons, Lectors, and Musicians minister to people in groups while Ushers minister to people as individuals from the moment they approach the church to the moment they leave. A word of encouragement or kindness may be the most significant ministry some people receive.
A church Usher is a person who helps ensure a smoothly running church service and who ministers to people in a variety of practical ways. The responsibilities of an Usher vary with each church, but their duties include greeting people as they arrive for Mass, assisting people with special needs, keeping an eye on parishioners during the Mass, and sending them back out into the world with a bulletin and a smile.
Who qualifies to be an Usher?
This ministry is open to all parishioners; men and women; husbands and wives, senior citizens, parents and teenagers. Ushers are friendly people who welcome all ages and nationalities. Their faith enables them to see Christ's presence in individuals and in the gathered community of believers. Ushers are honest and dependable. They can handle emergency situations with courage and composure. They carry a dignity about themselves even when performing menial tasks.
What are the Specific Duties of an Usher at St Monica's?
- Safety first. Always. Your training will include the locations of the first aid kit, diabetic supplies, and the AED as well as how to respond in the case of an emergency.
- Help people feel welcome. This means many things including preparing the Church to feel welcoming to all those who enter.
- Arrive early, adjust the temperature if needed, turn on the lights, and unlock the appropriate doors.
- Greet people warmly and by name if possible. Ushering is a great way to get to know your fellow parishioners by name.
- Help them find a seat.
- Ensure each person is aware of other important information, such as all the rules specific to this time of pandemic (hand sanitizing, mask wearing, and social distancing).
- Keep an eye on the parishioners during mass to see if anyone may be struggling for health reasons. Often times we have a trained medical professional at the Mass who can assist if needed.
- Guide people during communion.
- Help people exit the Church in an orderly manner. Provide them with a bulletin, a smile, and a word of kindness as they leave.
- Clean and secure the Church after Mass has ended and parishioners have left.
- Walk the aisles and look for any belongings or trash left behind. If belongings are found and the owner has left, place the item in the lost and found box.
- Place kneelers back into their upright positions if they were left down.
- Lock the Church doors.
- Help clean the Church if needed. Sanitizing with the fogger takes 2 Ushers and about 10 minutes to complete.
- Place the temperature back to the appropriate temperature for when the Church isn't being occupied.
- Turn off the lights.
The Gift of Time is Priceless
As an Usher, every interaction you have with a person is an opportunity to serve your neighbor and your Parish. Consider yourself responsible for ensuring that every person you interact with has the best opportunity possible to connect with and hear from God.
The ministry of ushering is crucial because it is one of the most visible ministries in the Church. In Christ, you have received God's unconditional love, and, in Christ, you are called to extend that same unconditional love to others. Please consider extending that love to others through serving as an Usher at St Monica's. The donation of your time to lovingly guide and guard God's people is worth more than you could ever know.
Who do I contact?
If you have any questions, or know that you are interested in becoming an Usher, please contact Paul Flynn at 309-694-4172 or the Parish Office at 309-694-2061. We look forward to hearing from you!
