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.