The Ushers Ministry:
Stewardship and Discipleship in Action Through Simple Gestures of Hospitality
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hen we walk into Immaculate Conception, we are likely to see an usher, who greets us with a smile and “hello,” and assists us with finding a seat. While these are simple gestures of hospitality, they go a long way toward making parishioners and guests alike feel welcome. Usher Phil Zaffarano has served with this ministry for 20 years. He responded to the need when he noticed many of the ushers were older and that the need for a volunteer seemed to come up each week. “A friend of mine who was the head of the ushers at that time asked if I wanted to help full-time and I said, ‘yes,’ and that has been a way of life ever since,” Phil says. For Phil, giving just a bit of time as an usher means that he receives many blessings in return. “Before I started as an usher, I came to Mass, followed the Mass schedule, prayed and went home, not really interacting with fellow parishioners,” he says. “As an usher, you begin to feel like you’re part of the celebration of the Mass.” The ushers’ service has been even more important in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as they work to ensure people are safe while attending Mass. Available pews are spaced to adhere to social distancing recommendations. Ushers also make sure people are wearing a face covering and that there is no crowding during Communion. Of course, beyond pandemic guidelines, the ushers have carried out other important tasks —
choosing a family to bring the offertory gifts to the altar and facilitating the gathering of money at the collection. They also extend a goodbye as people leave. “I enjoy ushering because I enjoy people,” Phil says. “I love greeting people when they arrive. I feel closer to my church family in that I have gotten to know more members.” Phil invites any adult parishioner to get involved as an usher, noting that it’s an easy ministry in which to be involved since members serve during Mass, and it requires very little time outside of Mass. “People say they don’t want to commit or be tied down — they have family commitments,” he says. “All we are asking is about an hour of your time to serve the Lord.”
Anyone who is 18 or older and interested in serving as an usher may contact Phil Zaffarano for training — please call 501-834-6302 or email pzaffarano@sbcglobal.net. 7