Ushers & Greeters

Ministry of Usher-Greeters

“There are many different gifts, but it is always the same Spirit; there are many different ways of serving, but it is always the same Lord. There are many different forms of activity, but in everybody it is the same God who is at work in them all. The particular manifestation of the Spirit granted to each one is to be used for the general good.” (1 Corinthians 12: 4-6)

Christ is the head of His Church. We are the body of Christ. Each of us has been given a part to play in the whole body. When the different parts of the body function properly there is harmony and good health for the entire body. In the same way, in the Church of Christ, when we play our respective parts properly, the Kingdom of God flourishes. In the words of St. Paul, we are not all called to play the same part. The pastor has his part, the Organist and Musicians, Lectors and Extra-ordinary ministers of Holy Communion, Servers and Ushers, etc. have their proper parts to play. (Cf. 1 Corinthians 12: 12 – 30) 

Usher-Greeters welcome parishioners and visitors as they arrive for worship. With cheerful hearts they put a smile on the faces of those arriving for worship disposing them to feel comfortable and welcomed. The first parishioner to interact with a visitor who is just arriving is the Usher and, as we know, first impressions matter a lot. The spirit of the ushering ministry disposes Ushers to minimize personal matters in favor of the “supreme good” (Cf. Philippians 3:8).

Punctuality is the soul of the Ushers’ ministry. To be able to meet and welcome other arriving parishioners and visitors, the Ushers arrive long before them. Ushers help them into the place of gathering and help them to get seated.

Ushers for each Mass group get to know one another. At any Mass, if for any reason there is not enough Ushers, they ask for volunteers from the community of worshippers. It is desirable that any Usher who foresees that he or she will not be able to serve should call and let a co-usher know about it. It is desirable also that Ushers act as one another’s keepers. Call one another especially when one does not show up to serve and know if all is well with the person. Our retired Ushers deserve admiration and respect. So it is equally desirable to keep in touch with Ushers who have retired especially those who are no longer able to join us physically for worship. For those who served and have gone to their rest and those who can no longer actively serve:

                        “Their reward is with the Lord;
                        The Most High takes care of them.
                        Therefore they will receive a glorious crown
                        And a beautiful diadem from the hand of the Lord,
                        Because with his right hand he will cover them,
                        And with his arm he will shield them”. (Wisdom 5:15&16) 

The Pastor appoints one of the Ushers as the Coordinator to promote the services of Ushers to the worshipping community. It is desirable that the Ushers meet quarterly or as needed to discuss how best to serve the Church, how best to enrich and make the ministry of ushers more attractive, etc. The Pastor, Fr. Francis Akwue, C.S.Sp. recently appointed Mr. John Fanning to be the Coordinator of the Ushers for the current season. We continue to pray for Mr. Jim State who was playing this role but now has retired.

CURRENT USHER-GREETERS SCHEDULE
 Coordinator – John Fanning

Saturday – 4:00 PM

1. Gene Yazzetti, Leader
2. Gene Juliano
3. Joe Calabrese
4. Stan Skamra

 Saturday – 5:30 PM

1. James Pagnotta, Leader
2. Ronald Robertson
3. Edward Tutay
4. (Volunteer Needed)

Sunday – 8:00 AM

1. Pasquale Fragnito, Leader
2. James Fragnito
3. Shota Lomidze
4. Alvaro Vasquez

Sunday – 10:00 AM

1. Bruce Augello, Leader
2. Andy Cavallo
3. Frank Willard
4. John Fanning
5. Fran Brown

Sunday – 11:30 PM

1. William Grimm II, Leader
2. Dan Grimm
3. Dan Falvey
4. Greg Vogelsang
5. Jan Nickel