The Usher Ministry: Living Out the Pillar of Hospitality by Welcoming Parishioners and Guests

As a stewardship community, we recognize the Four Pillars of Parish Stewardship as Hospitality, Prayer, Formation, and Service. Here at St. Benedict, the Usher Ministry works to lovingly fulfill that first pillar of Hospitality. After all, when we are visitors at a parish or have had a hectic morning getting everyone in the car, what could be better than a smiling face welcoming us to church?

While the Usher Ministry has looked a little different the past year due to COVID-19 restrictions, it has also become

even more important. In the past, people usually found their own seats. Now, to facilitate proper social distancing, the ushers seat people by section. Also, they distribute song sheets and bulletins.

Matt Brockman believes the Usher Ministry is important to the life of St. Benedict Cathedral. Not only do ushers make sure parishioners and guests are taken care of, but they also make sure our weekly offertory — our treasure — is collected and properly secured. Serving as an usher is also a potential gateway to serving in the Collection Counter Ministry.

“Church is like a family,” Matt says. “Everyone needs to do their part to ensure the work gets done.”

Matt has served as an usher since 1997. He had been asked for a few years, but it wasn’t until he and his wife, Deborah, were adopting their daughter, Rachel, from China that he began serving with the ministry.

“I figured, if I am going to be a parent, I need to set an example at Mass,” he says.

He has continued modeling this example through his service in Usher Ministry ever since. Samuel and Lena were also added to the family as the years went on. Deborah also serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.

Matt is glad he got involved with the ministry all those years ago, as it has given him a wonderful opportunity to meet lots of people he would not have otherwise.

“There are so many good and generous people out there,” he says.

With all the ushers who are present for a given Mass, Matt knows that parishioners and guests alike feel very welcome.

“Just that short greeting at the door and saying ‘goodbye’ when someone leaves is a way to show them they belong and are welcome at our parish,” Matt says.

Ushers arrive about 15 minutes before Mass and stay a bit after to distribute bulletins. Especially with COVID-19 keeping some of the elderly ushers at home, younger ushers are needed. Anyone who is interested in learning more about the Usher Ministry may contact Jeff Marx at 812-430-5622.

Ushers serve at a January Mass — (from left) Matt Brockman, Bob Spear and Andrew Effinger.