Ushers
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Ushers have long been essential to the dignified progression of the liturgy, aiding parishioners, keeping order, taking up collections, and providing a welcoming face for visitors and parishioners alike.
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Manual for Exercise of Ministry
Preparing for Mass
Ministers of Welcome
The ushers should serve to welcome parishioners and visitors and help them to find seating should the church be at or near capacity. As such, the demeanor of an usher should be dignified at all times so as to be respectable and trustworthy should he or she need to exercise authority proper to their ministry.
The Offertory
Taking Up the Collection
The ushers should come forward at the beginning of the offertory, either bow or genuflect and begin to go row by row taking up the collection. This should be done expediently, but not so quickly so that people are unprepared to participate.
The Offertory Procession
Ushers should see to it that there are two persons to bring up the gifts: one for the ciborium with the bread and one with the flagon or cruet of wine. Ordinarily the priest will receive the wine and then the ciborium of bread. Those chosen to bring up the bread and wine should be baptized and practicing Catholics.
Second Collections
Second collections should begin after the people have resumed sitting after the tabernacle door is closed and the vessels are being purified.
Disruptions During Mass
Emergencies
If there is a medical emergency, the usher might locate a first responder (or ideally be one him or herself) and designate another usher to call 911.Security
If there is a security issue where lives are in danger, the usher may respond to the best of his ability to address the issue, keeping in mind his own safety and the safety of others. Calling the police is also a responsibility of the usher.Significant Disruptions
If there is a significant disruption, the usher may need to remove the disruptive person or situation. The usher should use his or her best judgement, but attempt not to unduly disrupt the liturgy further.
During Holy Communion
Aiding with location of Non-Ambulatory Parishioners
The usher should coordinate with he priest and/or Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion to determine which parishioners cannot get to the front of the church for reception of Holy Communion.
Ideally, the usher would bring up the end of the communion procession and guide the priest and/or minister to the persons who wish to receive.