Hospitality Ministers (Ushers):
- One of several ministries available to lay people to help with the Mass
Major duties includes:
-meeting/greeting/seating visitors to the Mass
-taking up collection (selecting a family to do this as well each week)
-setting up and help with taking down of things in the Church (to prepare for the next set of users)
-general problem solvers / trouble shooters; if it's not obviously another's job, the ushers take care of it
-filling in for Mattheans if they are not present (counting the money collected after Mass is over)

Requirements: Anybody who is willing to help, but should be at least in their teens. Traditionally performed by men, but women are more than welcome.

Other things:
-There are generally 2 Ushers per Mass (fewer for smaller groups)
-Need to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of Mass to help make sure things are set up right
-Clean up after Mass generally take 10 minutes (add 10 if also doing Matthean duty)
-Each location on Fort Belvoir is different so the actual execution Usher duty varies by location and time
-Depending on Mass, the dress varies but generally Ushers wear business suits or sports coat, slacks and tie.
-Depending Mass, you will probably be scheduled 1-2 times per month
-There is an official training session each year, usually in September or October; but this is a job you learn by doing. If you are interested, let the Chapel Coordinator know, and we'll put you to work

The official description of the duties for an Usher/Hospitality Minister comes from the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, Chapter III: Duties and Ministries in the Mass:

c) Those who take up the collections in the church.

d) Those who, in some regions, welcome the faithful at the church doors, seat them appropriately, and marshal them in processions.

All Fort Belvoir Catholic Community members are invited to join this ministry. Parishioners may volunteer by calling or visiting the Parish Coordinator's office in the Woodlawn Chapel at 703-806-5745 or email [email protected].