Ministry Of Consolation

Answering a different call: When there is a death in our parish family, the Ministry of Consolation gets a call. It is our privilege to assist the family of the deceased. We are companions for the family in helping them plan the the funeral mass. We are booklet markers, preparing the worship aid for the mass. We are greeters, meeting the congregation as they enter our church and distributing the special worship aid booklet prepared for the funerals. We are bakers, making something tasty for the family. If you think you may be called to join us, we would love to have you share in our Ministry of Consolation.

You go to funerals? Who wants to do that? We do! (Well - you know what we mean - I hope!) The Ministry of Consolation assists families at the death of a loved one. One of our members reaches out to the family to become their contact and companion at the funeral. She/ he assists them in the preparation for the funeral mass by meeting with the family to describe what to expect on the day of the funeral. We may help select the readings for the mass, suggesting scripture readings that are appropriate to the life of the deceased. The hymns for the funeral mass are also selected. This companion remains in contact for any questions that may arise.

This is one way to get involved but there are others because… This funeral mass information is sent to a booklet maker (who can work from home) who prepares the beautiful worship aid that the congregation uses during the funeral. The companion attends the vigil or wake to offer additional support. One of our bakers (who works from home and does not need to go to the funeral) provides something for the family which they are surprised and grateful to receive. On the day of the funeral, several members (greeters) and the companion greet the family at the doors of the church, giving all in attendance the funeral booklet and assisting them for the duration of the funeral until they leave the church. Families are very grateful for our support during this time and we are so very grateful that we can be there to assist. It is an extremely rewarding ministry. We would be delighted to have you become part of our ministry in whatever capacity interests you: baker, booklet maker, greeter and companion are each very rewarding when you see how much the families appreciate our support.

This ministry reaches out in a variety of ways to those who have recently faced the death of someone they love. The wonderful women and men who offer their time in this ministry—as well as our office staff—do a wonderful job in ministering to those in need. We are in need of more help as we seek to grow the Ministry of Consolation. We are in need of parishioners to come forward as: Liturgical Ministers (greeters, servers, extraordinary ministers and weaders), cakebakers (willing to make a small dessert for a family who has suffered a loss), worship aid makers (able to update our Mass program for each funeral, involves light computer and possibly copier use), Organizers (able to assign tasks to those who have offered their time) and companions (meeting with a family who has suffered a loss to assist with choosing readings, hymns, etc. and being present on the day of the funeral). If you’re able to help or want to find out more information, contact Fr. John at jsureau@sjecm.org.

About your funeral: Well we’re not looking to plan that any time soon, but we can always use help with our Ministry of Consolation!!! This ministry reaches out in a variety of ways to those who have recently faced the death of someone they love. The wonderful women and men who offer their time in this ministry—as well as our office staff—do a wonderful job in ministering to those in need.

We are in need of more help as we seek to grow the Ministry of Consolation. We are in need of parishioners to come forward as:

• Liturgical ministers (greeters, servers, extraordinary ministers and readers)
• Cake bakers (willing to make a small dessert for a family who has suffered a loss)
• Worship aid makers (able to update our mass program for each funeral, involves light computer and possibly copier use),
• Organizers (able to assign tasks to those who have offered their time)
• and companions (meeting with a family who has suffered a loss to assist with choosing readings, hymns, etc. and being present on the day of the funeral)

If you’re able to help or want to find out more information, contact Reverend Patrick Riegger, Pastor at pastor@sjecm.org.