Hospitality Ministers (Ushers and Greeters)
Overview
Liturgy is a communal event, the action of a worshipping assembly. When members of the Church are gathered, attention must be paid not only to the persons who gather but also to the common purpose for which they assemble. Special ministers serve the liturgy by helping to establish a climate of welcome, helpfulness and order among those gathered. They assist the assembly with practical details so that it can celebrate the rites with ease and grace.
Mandatory Activities/Responsibilities
- Attend a specific mass regularly and arrive punctually before mass
- See to it that the church building is presentable and welcoming
- Be ready to welcome worshippers as they arrive at the church being especially attentive to strangers, children, elders and anyone with special needs
- When necessary or helpful offer information or assistance concerning the parish, the liturgy, the facility, parish registration procedures, special processions, location of washrooms
- Ensure that the washrooms are adequately supplied with toilet tissue and hand towels and that they are clean
- Facilitate full participation of the assembly by helping with hymnals, processions, late arrivals, collection of the offering, presentation of the gifts, distribution of bulletins, assisting persons with disabilities and special events
- Select parishioners to participate in the presentation of the gifts at the offertory
- Assist in the event of emergency situations such as sickness of a parishioner, fire or someone making a disturbance
- Assist at the departure of the assembly by, for example, opening the back doors, handing out bulletins, assisting the St. Vincent de Paul Society with the poor boxes, etc.
- Carry out all your responsibilities with calm and dignity
Skills, Experience and Qualifications
- Active parishioners of any age, female or male, who have the skills and time to devote to this role
- Understand and appreciate the importance of having the full and active participation of the assembly
- Be familiar with the church facilities in order to be able to be of assistance to parishioners
- Have participated in training on standard procedures for welcoming the assembly, preparing the space for worship and in dealing with emegencies
Personal Traits and Qualities
- The person must be reliable, punctual and appropriately dressed and well groomed
- They must be comfortable with people, easy going and flexible
- Must have a welcoming spirit and be ready to help
- A good sense of humour is most helpful
Orientation and Training
- Standard parish orientation program
Participant Group
- All the parishioners who come to mass
Support, Supervision and Evaluation
- Support comes from the coordinator of the ushers and from the pastor
- Supervision comes from the coordinator of the ushers
- Evaluation takes place at the end of the term of appointment
Length of Ministry Appointment
- Two year term with possibility of renewal
Benefits and Working Conditions
- Will have direct impact on the experience the parishioners have during the liturgical celebration
- Will develop social and hospitality skills
Screening Measures
- This is a low risk position
- The Usher must complete the Volunteer Information Form and the Ministry Covenant Form
Contact
Parish Office at (416) 489-1540, Ext 221 or office@olphtoronto.com.