Ushers Live Out the Pillar of Hospitality by Welcoming Parishioners and Guests

As a stewardship parish, we are familiar with the “Three Ts” of parish stewardship — Time, Talent, and Treasure. But we also live out the Four Pillars of Parish Stewardship — Hospitality, Prayer, Formation, and Service. Here at St. Vincent de Paul, 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?

Denny and Bonnie Hentzen have been serving as ushers for many years. They initially signed up to show their children, who were young at the time, the value and importance of volunteering in the parish. Years later, they are still giving of their time to this important ministry. Our ushers serve also as greeters, welcoming parishioners and guests as they enter.

“Everyone wants to feel welcome, whether they have been a member of the parish for years or when new families don’t know anyone in the church family,” Bonnie says. “Feeling welcome encourages interaction and commitment.”

The ushers also help facilitate the Communion line and find a couple or family to bring up the offertory. They are there to chat with people as they leave and distribute bulletins. Ushers also help people find a seat when the sanctuary is full.

Of all the ushers’ tasks, Denny and Bonnie feel greeting people is the most important way to encourage stewardship.

“If people feel that they are wanted or needed, there is a lot more commitment and interaction on their part,” Bonnie says.

That interaction and commitment may, in turn, lead to more involvement at St. Vincent de Paul.

Denny and Bonnie also find greeting to be the most enjoyable part of this ministry, and they both appreciate doing their part in making St. Vincent de Paul a welcoming environment. The Hentzens look forward to the day when the customary handshake and hug can return to their pre-Mass welcome — currently, COVID-19 precautions mean these greetings are not possible. But the couple is happy to help in whatever way they can during this challenging time. They encourage anyone to get involved as an usher and reap the same spiritual rewards they have for all these years.

If you would like to learn more about serving as an usher, please call the parish office at 402-643-3421.

CJ Novak greets parishioners and guests at the door.