The role of usher is the oldest lay ministry in the Catholic Church, continuing from the clerical order of porter which was instituted in the 3rd Century A.D. It was the porter’s duty it was to guard the door of the church against any intruders who might disturb the service. Porter duties were so important that at one point they were included as a rite of ordination, until this ministry was given to lay people by Pope Paul VI in 1972.  Many of our saints either started their vocations by being porters or were porters their whole lives, finding holiness in the simple hospitality that they gave to all. As Philip Koslowski remarked in his 2019 article, "The Curious Connection between the Job of Doorkeeper and Canonization", 

Blessed Fr. Solanus Casey	St. Alphonsus Rodriguez	St. Bonaventure of Barcelona	St. Andre Bessette

Not only has ushering been a path to holiness for so many saints, you get a rare opportunity to get to know some of the best people around: Our OLV Parishioners!
Ushering allows you to meet people that you would never get to know otherwise. Ushering allows you to be Christ to others by offering the simple gift of hospitality while at the same time recognizing Christ in others.  

What do Ushers do?

The OLV Ministry of Ushers has many duties. Before Mass, the ushers are busily placing necessary materials (flyers, envelopes, pencils, etc.) in the pews. Opening the church doors wide, Ushers warmly greet the parishioners warmly as they enter. They assist the elderly and disabled to be seated and help some of the latecomers to find seats. Additionally, they select the people who will make the Offertory presentation during Mass.

During the Mass, they take up the collection/s, and assist parishioners in receiving communion in an orderly manner. While most Masses proceed without issue, there are times when emergent situations, like parishioner sickness, arise. Our ushers are prepared to handle these situations. Whether grabbing a glass of water, assisting the ill person to the back of the church or worst case, call 911, they are always happy to help.

At the conclusion of Mass, our ushers shine, as they, again, open the church doors, letting our great parishioners out into the golden Colorado sunshine. They distribute the weekly bulletins to the departing parishioners and say goodbye. After the parishioners have departed, if necessary, the ushers' final duties including: help rearrange the chairs, hymnals and pick up any papers or trash to be thrown away.

MINISTRY LEAD DOUG SCHNEIDER  FOR MORE INFO EMAIL: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.