3 minute read
Ushers Ministry Continuing to Welcome All into God’s Home
The COVID-19 pandemic caused immediate and drastic changes in how our Ushers Ministry could go about their work. Yet, despite all these changes, one thing never changed over the past months — the outpouring of welcome and hospitality the ushers offered to those entering Christ the King Cathedral. And now that restrictions are lifting, the ushers are witness to the joy our parishioners experience as they return in person to our faith community
Irene and Mike Nuzzo coordinate the Ushers Ministry. Before the pandemic, they scheduled teams of ushers for each Mass, with one usher serving as team leader. The ushers greeted those arriving for Mass, helped them find seats, took up and secured the collection, handed out bulletins, and bid everyone farewell as they left.
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When COVID-19 restrictions went into place, however, their responsibilities changed. Even though our cathedral can seat more than 1,000, the seating was limited to 180 and was handled through a reserved ticketing system. Only one entrance door was used, and the ushers would check off the ticketed names from a list. Those without a ticket were put on “standby” and were admitted 10 minutes before Mass if there was room. The pews were closed in alternating fashion, and seating was kept six feet apart. The ushers directed those going to Communion to maintain safe distancing. After Mass, the ushers sanitized the pews.
“We had to change on the fly,” Irene says.
During Christmas and Easter, the ushers were faced with more people coming to Mass. Hehman Hall was used for seating, where Mass was livestreamed.
“The ushers worked hard,” Mike says. “Usually, we get enough ushers we can rotate through them, but during the first eight months of the pandemic, they were working every Sunday with no break.”
Currently, 30 to 35 ushers are covering six Masses. Most are younger parishioners because the older ushers faced COVID-19 concerns.
Through all the COVID-19 restrictions, and now that we are returning to more normal activities, our ushers always have been a vital part of Mass.
“Seeing a friendly face is important,” Irene says. “During the pandemic, my husband and I ushered at the 5 p.m. Sunday Mass. People are so excited to see the same people.”
Those coming to Mass make connections with the ushers each Sunday and receive their hospitality not only in their greeting but also as they leave the cathedral. The ushers have been able to express that hospitality even when they were still required to wear masks for safety’s sake.
“The idea is to provide a safe environment,” Mike says. “Without the ushers, we wouldn’t have an opened church. They’ve done an excellent job.”
The ushers’ duties of maintaining safety while welcoming others have made an impact on the ushers themselves.
“Mike and I have worked hard,” Irene says. “Spiritually, it enriches you. We’re all one people and it has taken a lot to be able to worship each Sunday. It makes you value the fact that you can go into the church and be safe. As things were pulled away, you miss all that. And realize how you want that — for example, having the holy water fonts.”
As Usher Ministry coordinators, Mike and Irene, along with their teams, had been able to observe the flow of people attending Mass and observed what was necessary to keep everyone safe.
“We had a lot of information, and we could see how the people moved,” Irene says.
As pandemic restrictions have eased, there is a need for additional ushers. The necessary traits are physical mobility and a friendly demeanor.
“He or she must have the understanding we need to make all feel welcome,” Irene says.
“We are the first thing people see when they come into church,” Mike says. “It’s like opening your home, you want to welcome them. We’re welcoming them to our, to God’s home.”
