Ushers

What is an Usher?

The ministry of ushers is the oldest lay ministry in the Catholic Church. The ushers of today have descended from a long line of people of God who have gone before them. We see their antecedents in 1 Chronicles where they are called the “gatekeepers.” During the time of Christ, the temple guard numbered in the hundreds and were the forerunners of today's ushers.


The more immediate predecessor of today's usher can be found in the clerical order of porter, instituted in the 3rd Century A.D. During those times, it was the duty of the porters or ushers to guard the door of the church against any intruders who might disturb the service. The porter duties were so important that they came to be included in the rite of ordination, where they were specified as: "to ring the bells, open the church and sacristy, to open the book for the preacher." In 1972 Pope Paul VI abolished the order of porter and this important task was given over to the laity.


While today’s ushers don’t ring the bells or open the book, their primary duties and responsibilities include greeting and welcoming parishioners as they enter the church, helping them to find seats, and taking up the collection.


A person’s willingness to serve God in the capacity as an usher reflects their commitment to Christ. They must be mindful that they are there to assist those who are preparing to worship God by creating a quiet and reverent atmosphere within the church. Ushers assure the comfort of the assembly in the worship space and perform various functions during the liturgy. One of the most important duties that the usher has is that of hospitality. The usher is the first person that worshipers meet when they arrive at church. The usher has the opportunity and the responsibility to represent the rest of the assembly in offering hospitality. People’s impression of a parish is significantly shaped by the presence or absence of a welcoming atmosphere where they come to worship.

Offering a smile and a word of welcome can have a profound impact on people as they arrive. Ushers provide assistance in emergencies. They ensure that the Church is in order before, during and after the celebration of Mass.

Qualifications

Participants in the Ministry of Ushers at St John Vianney should have the following qualifications:


  • Be a Catholic in good sacramental standing in the Church.
  • Be a registered member of the parish.
  • Be a mature Catholic of excellent character who shows reverence and love for the Eucharist.
  • Must be responsible, mature and reliable.
  • Attend Mass regularly
  • Be spiritually growing through daily prayer and liturgical prayer, especially the Sunday Eucharist.
  • Meet the requirements of the Archdiocese of Atlanta for current VIRTUS – Protecting God’s Children Training.
  • Has participated in a Usher training program


These qualifications ensure that Ushers provide a welcoming and respectful environment for all parishioners, reflecting the spirit of hospitality and community that is central to the Catholic faith.

Usher Resources

Check your ministry schedule with Ministry Scheduler Pro! Click here.

Are you ready to become an Usher at St. John Vianney?  Please fill out an application HERE.

Ushers' Dress Code:


Gentlemen:  dress slacks and a polo style shirt, button down dress shirt, sweater or plain t-shirt with sleeves. Suit or coat with or without tie.

Ladies:  slacks, dress, or skirt (the knee or longer), blouse, sweater or shirt with a modest neckline.

Please avoid:  shorts, flip flops or slippers, very high heels as they are tripping hazard, tennis shoes, spaghetti strap or strapless tops, excessively tight clothing. Political buttons, wristbands, clothing etc. are not appropriate.


If you are still unsure of what is appropriate, ask yourself “Is my attire suitable for one who is …”

  • Proclaiming God’s Word
  • Distributing the Body/Blood of our Lord
  • Greeting those who have come to receive the Word and Holy Communion
  • Preparing the “things that are necessary” for the celebration of the Liturgy.

Do you have questions?

Ana is happy to help!  As Mission and Evangelization Coordinator, she will guide you through the Altar Server process.  From training to ministry schedules, she is the one to call with any questions or concerns.  She looks forward to serving you.

Ana Aleman de Cortez

Mission and Evangelization