Ushers Ministry Serving Parish Community with Hospitality as We Gather for Mass

Sunday Mass may seem straightforward, but it’s the quiet contributions of many individuals who ensure things run smoothly and that parishioners may worship in a distraction-free environment. Our ushers are one of the keys to keeping things clean and comfortable. They step up before, during, and after Mass to prepare, assist, and tidy up. Pat Hibbeler has served our parish as an usher for about four years and as the head usher for one of those years. He finds ushering a rewarding experience.

“I look forward to ushering,” Pat says. “I’m very aware of the Mass when I’m there. I’m very involved both as an usher and an individual. When you’re more aware of everything around you, it allows you to take it in to a greater degree.”

Pat hopes that the ushers’ quiet work allows parishioners to glean more from the Mass. The ushers assist those who need to leave the church during Mass with their children or to use the restroom. If someone falls ill or has a problem during Mass, the ushers are there to help. They provide a welcoming experience and can help parishioners find seats or help those who need physical assistance. After Mass, the ushers put books away and tidy up to get ready for the next Mass. There is no real limit to what an usher is there to do — rather, they are on the alert for anyone who needs their help.

“We try to provide an environment that is as safe, comforting, and quiet as possible so that parishioners can listen to Father and get as much as they can out of each and every Mass,” Pat says.

It takes about five ushers to do the job at Mass. Each usher is stationed in a different wing or aisle to gather the collection. Ushers sign up for a month at a time and are assigned to serve at their preferred Mass. With plenty of ushers, the work is well divided. New ushers are offered a training session if they have questions before they are put on the schedule. Ushers can be identified by their nametags and parishioners are welcome to ask them for assistance when needed.

“I think any time you’re in the service of the Church and Our Lord, it gives you a more spiritual experience of the Mass,” Pat says. “It gives me a very good feeling in my heart that we are assisting Father in his duty and helping to provide a good experience so all parishioners can enjoy the Mass. The amount of time it takes is really negligible compared to what you get out of it.”

To learn more about becoming an usher, contact Mark Strieker at 217-316-0080 or marklyn2927@gmail.com

Ushers Gary Zanger and Neal Cornwell preparing for the offertory

Usher Tim Oitker handing out bulletins

Ushers Dave Kuhl, Ernie Bain, and Tom Hellhake taking the gifts up to the altar