An Inside Look At Our Ushers Ministry

As Catholics, we must always strive to extend a hand to new parishioners, longtime parishioners, and guests alike. Now, in these tumultuous times of COVID-19, the hospitality shown by the Ushers Ministry is more important than ever. Here at Annunciation, our parish’s ushers serve as a helping hand to ensure the Mass flows smoothly, and to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for all.

“We are here to serve the Lord, and to serve the people,” says ministry leader Dean Fujitani. “We want to make sure people don’t feel alone. If someone had a rough day, or the whole week didn’t go right for them, they need our support at church. We need to show them respect, ask them how they are doing — anything small that might cheer them up.”

In our “new normal” due to the COVID-19 pandemic, several aspects of the Mass experience have changed. Our ushers play a very important role in keeping every Mass attendee, liturgical minister, and our priest safe during Mass. Currently, attendees must sign up in advance for a specific Mass time, and are required to wear masks inside.

For the collection, instead of passing the basket around, the ushers place it in front of the fountain, where people can drop their gift into the basket. When Communion is ready to start, the ushers take it up to the altar.

“We assist people during Communion by telling them where to go and which lines to stand in,” Dean says. “At the end of Mass, as soon as Father leaves the altar, we start exiting people through to the front of the lanai so that people don’t linger inside. Afterward, we wipe down the pews and sanitize them for the people who come in for the next Mass.”

Ideally, we would have four ushers at each Mass. However, throughout the pandemic, the ministry has worked with however many are able to serve.

“It’s a volunteer situation,” Dean says. “Some people don’t feel safe coming to church right now, so I never tell them they have to come or try to persuade them. We want everyone to be safe. We will take any help, though! I don’t want to twist anyone’s arm, but we could always use the help.”

Throughout his time as an usher, Dean has been able to grow in faith through his service.

“It has helped me to grow in faith through worship, communion with Jesus, and spending time in prayer,” he says. “It’s a great way to help others, especially parishioners who need help walking, or newcomers who don’t know where to go. It makes you really grateful to God for having the opportunity to do something to help that person out.”

If you would like more information about the Ushers Ministry, or to get involved, please contact Dean Fujitani at 808-885-7651 or 808-365-2194, or the parish office at 808-887-1220.

Ushers serve at a recent Mass.