Usher ministers help make people feel welcome, help find available seats and introduce people to each other, take up the collection and ensure its safekeeping. They recruit a family or group of individuals who will bring forth the bread, wine, food for the poor, hand out bulletins or other material, assist those who need special help, and answer questions. These tasks provide a wonderful opportunity for families to minister together. Ministry formation and training sessions are offered throughout the year with the expectation of regular attendance.

Because of its importance, the role of usher has had a long history in the Church. Referred to as Porters in the early church, ushers used to guard the doors against disruptive intruders. Today, ushers serve the opposite function by being the first to welcome parishioners and visitors.

• Ushers are instructed to dress appropriately on the side of more formal as opposed to casual is generally encouraged. For example, men should wear a suit and tie, and women should wear a pantsuit or a long dress or skirt. Ushers are also asked to arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes early.

• Ushers sit at the back of the church and participate fully in the service. When late-comers arrive, ushers help minimize disruptions by asking them to momentarily standby during the readings and the priest's homily. Ushers are also responsible for passing around the collection baskets. During communion, they assist the eucharistic ministers by pointing out those who cannot proceed through the communion line and therefore need communion brought to them.

• Once the mass is over, ushers stand by the church doors to distribute the weekly bulletin. Depending on the church and the time of year, they may prop the doors open or stand outside. Ushers field any questions from visitors and direct them to enrollment forms. They also straighten up all the pews. This task may include collecting trash, putting hymnals in their proper places, picking up articles left behind and raising kneeling benches.