The Primary Mission of the ushers is to make everyone who visits OLMM has an enjoyable and pleasant experience.
Ushers have a ministry deeply rooted in scripture and tradition.
In the old testament, they guarded ‘the threshold of the tent’ (I Chr. 9:19).
They were also assigned the task of receiving the offerings of the faithful. (2 Kings 22:4).
They had rooms in the temple where they stayed when no one was on duty, since “day and night they had to be ready for service.”
Ushers are signs pointing to the Way.
They are doors offering ready access to the living Temple of God. Ushers must become in their persons a joyous invitation to worship.
The ushers welcome people to the house of God, paying special attention to the disabled, small children, visitors, and those who have not found a seat. Ushers at OLMM welcome all people to the Mass no matter what time you show up. Family emergency, kids causing you to be late, do not worry you are always welcome and we are here to be that smiling face of Christ for you!! We can help you to find a seat at all parish liturgies. We are here to assist in case of any need or emergency, no matter how big or how small and offer first aid assistance when needed. We encourage reverence and respect for our Lord in His house by keeping disturbances and loud talking to a minimum.
In general, ushers carry responsibility for the following:
Circulating the collection receptacles (there should be a sufficient number of ushers to facilitate the collection in a timely and orderly fashion)
Making sure that the gifts of bread and wine are in their proper places before Mass and asking members of the assembly to bring forth the gifts at the Offertory. (let us know if you are interested to bring the gifts to the Altar)
Helping the parishioners to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus by directing them in an orderly procession during Communion.
Distributing the church bulletins to keep the parishioners updated on what is happening in OLMM.
The requirements for being an usher are:
Be a baptized and Confirmed Catholic: it is fitting that the usher be fully initiated into the Faith
Sincerely try to live the Gospel in life
Faithfully participate in Sunday Mass
Complete VIRTUS training; Fingerprinted for records
Be friendly, courteous, and desire to make a good initial impression on those who may be coming to Mass for the first time, or returning after an absence.
You are Most Welcome to join us!!!
Please consider joining us in this very important ministry. No previous knowledge of the ministry is needed. We will train you. Thank you for considering being the Face of Christ in the Ministry of Ushers. Interested in becoming an usher? This is open to any parishioner. To earn your “red jacket” please contact Rick Jimenez at (323) 725-7578.