Ushers
As the assembly enters God’s house, ushers greet each person with radical hospitality of the sort Jesus offered
God calls men and women to the liturgical ministry of service called Usher. The attributes of welcoming and hospitality are the hallmarks of this ministry. Those serving as Usher should possess the gift of warmly receiving the assembly into God's house. The Usher recognizes that, as the first person encountered by those entering for worship, he/she shares a sense of care and concern for the safety and comfort of those assembled. The Usher assumes an attitude of radical hospitality, where the guests are embraced, the family cared for and the movement of the liturgy enabled through your best efforts. Your joy for this service should radiate to each member of the assembly and move them to full, conscious and active participation in liturgy. Those who carry out this role will describe it as sacred, special, a unique privilege of sharing in the orderly and prayerful celebration of Christ’s gift of Real Presence.
Your genuine sense of care for the assembly translates into:
- A warm welcome for parishioners
- Concern for elements of safety such as fire and weather related events
- Concern for elements of first aid and initial medical intervention
- Assistance with the orderly and reverent celebration of the Eucharist, especially by providing worship aids and seating assistance
- Assistance with the movements of the Liturgy: entrance, offertory, communion and recession
- Assistance to those in special need; e.g., young families, the elderly, unaccompanied children and those who become ill
- Concern for a clean and orderly worship and gathering space
Requirements: To become an Usher you must:
- be a registered and active member of Saint Bridget parish
- have received the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation
- receive initial and ongoing formation and training in accordance with the published norms
Training
Initially Ushers are required to attend two sessions of Ministry Matters. Please click on the Ministry Matters link to find out more about the content of these sessions.
The second session of Ministry Matters is hands-on, practical training for new Ushers. This session will be scheduled based on the availability of the new ministers after they have completed part 1 of Ministry Matters, usually within two weeks. After completion of part 2 new ministers will be added to the liturgical schedule.
To grow in your ministry, you will be required to participate in two of the additional formation opportunities that are offered throughout the year. Some formation opportunities will be self-guided, other opportunities will be offered to all lay liturgical ministers or specifically for Ushers through the Liturgy Committee.
Terms of Service
Liturgy Ministry at Saint Bridget is carried out in three year terms, renewable once. After a maximum six years of service, ministers are asked to take a Sabbath, a rest, from the work.
Questions? Contact Paul Kastelberg