St. Mary Parish, Manchester at 210 West Main Street, Manchester, MI 48158 US - Usher Report

            I recently came across the following article which consists of excerpts from a booklet written by Fr. George F. Smith, O. Carm., regarding the ministry of ushers.  I submit it to explain to those parishioners who may be undecided on becoming an usher or volunteering in a ministry that is part of our parish community.  I hope it provides an insight into the service of an usher and that you may be inclined to join this ministry and participate in our parish community.

            Ushers are called to provide a very special service in their exercise of a true liturgical ministry.  They are servants of the faith-community when it gathers to celebrate the Eucharist.  At every Mass, the people are hierarchically assembled.  This means that all participants, and particularly those exercising special ministries, must be keenly aware of the ecclesial nature (rituals) of the celebration.  The Church is people gathered in Christ: every usher, therefore, ought to be a 'people person'.  In many parishes, those who gather for Sunday worship may well be strangers to one another.  Some may come to Sunday Mass desiring nothing more than to sit quietly in a corner by themselves.  Others may think it is an opportunity to be alone with God, coming with neither the desire nor a need for fellowship.  On the other hand, there are always lonely people, young and old alike, thirsting for nothing so much as a warm human contact or a word of cheer.  An usher needs to see them all as real people with real human needs.  Ushers have to be people-oriented.  Strangers need to be put at ease; visitors need to be welcomed; the handicapped need to be assisted and to experience the love of the community. 

           At each of the 3 Masses, 4 individuals are needed.  If you have thought about becoming more active  in our parish family, are friendly and can help with the offertory collection, I encourage you to call me at 428-9506, so I can answer any questions that you may have about becoming an usher.      ~ Marja Warner, Coordinator