Ushers are charged with overseeing the doors of the church during the liturgy, the word “usher” being derived from the Latin “ostiarius”: one who keeps the door. Like a door that both opens and closes, their ministry is twofold: they welcome members, strangers, and guests alike, bearing to them the gracious welcome God has given all humanity to be in relationship with him, helping all in the congregation to feel invited and at ease; and ushers are charged with preventing the profanation of the mysteries—they help to ensure that the congregation is comfortable, and they work to defuse any disruptive situations which may occur, whatever they may be. They bear Our Lord’s message of “Come to me…and I will give you rest” (Matt xi.28) as well as the prophet’s warning, “Be silent before the Lord God! …The Lord has prepared a sacrifice and consecrated his guests” (Zep i.7).
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