Mandatory Activities and Responsibilities

• Dress appropriately
• Arrive 15 - 20 minutes before Mass
• Check with celebration for special instructions (20 minutes prior to Mass)
• answer questions and inquiries from people arriving for the mass
• line up the procession and organize offertory processions
• Seat latecomers
• Get collection baskets ready
• be pleasant and welcoming to all

During Mass

• take up collection
• Put all money and baskets away

During Communion

• Direct people to Communion
• Inform celebrant of anyone who is unable to walk up for Communion

At the end of Mass

• Open doors
• Distribute bulletins

After Mass

• Shut off lights
• Lock all doors

Emergency Procedures

In case of fire:

• Call fire department
• know where fire extinguishers are and how to use them
• help people to leave quickly and safely

Medical Emergency

• Assist if necessary
• If serious, call 911

Qualifications

• Active parishioner
• A welcoming spirit
• Ready to offer appropriate help
• know church facilities and procedures
• training sessions
• A welcoming personality and comfortable with people
• Can follow instructions and be responsible for implementing them with flexibility and calmness
• Be familiar with the church facilities (washrooms, bulletings, song books, lights, etc.)

Participant Group

• The congregation
• Other ushers and ministries
• pastor
• liturgy committee

Support/Supervision/Evaluation

• Pastor
• Congregation
• Liturgy committee

Length of Ministry Appointment

• two year term, renewable

Benefits

• Develops social and hospitality skills
• Has a direct impact on the liturgies
• Meet and greet many people
• Requires 1 to 1-1/2 hours a week
• May be asked to help at special celebrations

Screening

• Medium to high risk position
• Completion of Information sheet