The women and men who serve in this ministry are much more than collection takers and distributors of orders of service and bulletins. They are representatives of a caring community. They welcome visitors, assist new members and help the disabled experience an accessible environment.

The door of the church is a symbol of our baptism, our entry into Christian life. Ushers and greeters welcome the followers of Christ at the door. Matthew 7:7 reads: "Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened." Ministers of hospitality are graced with the opportunity to extend Christ's love in this way to both friend and stranger.

Skills Needed

The best ushers and greeters are helpful and outgoing; they realize that their calling is to be the welcoming face of our community. Many people who visit a busy parish like Saint Clement may speak with only the usher or greeter. Therefore, ushers and greeters must be able to provide a friendly smile and a welcoming word. They must be able to balance their facilitation of movement and action with a sensitivity to people's feelings and needs. They should also be prepared, if the need arises, to render assistance in emergencies.

Time Commitment

Each team of ministers serves at one of the six weekend liturgies. Ushers and greeters arrive about twenty minutes before Mass and stay about ten minutes after the assembly has left.

For more information, e-mail Liturgy Coordinator Flo Merkl-Deutsch or call her at 773-281-0371 ext. *819.