Lazarus Ministry
When a loved one dies, we are here to help.
What is the Lazarus Ministry?
When a loved one dies, it is a time of great stress and emotion. Although nothing can take away the pain, our faith offers immense comfort through the funeral liturgy and its accompanying traditions. In the Catholic funeral tradition, we not only comfort the bereaved, but we pray as well for the deceased.
The St. Luke Lazarus Ministry was formed to offer comfort and assistance to families during these stressful times. At the present time, Connie Noyes, coordinates this ministry. Once notified of a death, she offers guidance to the family in planning the rosary, wake service, and funeral. The committee also offers to prepare a funeral meal following the service so that family members and friends can gather together to share memories and enjoy a meal together.. This meal can be held in the Social Hall or at the home of the deceased’s family, if they prefer.
The Lazarus Ministry has twelve couples or groups who organize the funeral meal for their assigned month. Once contacted, they call others who have volunteered to bring food for these meals. They coordinate the amount of food needed, plan the meal, coordinate the set up, serve the food, and clean up after the meal.
The largest number of Lazarus volunteers are only able to occasionally attend the funeral meal due to other commitments. Although often unable attend, they still participate by bringing a dish for the meal. The monthly coordinators call these parishioners when their help is needed.
Please call Connie Noyes at 355-7078 if you would like to assist in this ministry.
Funeral Arrangement Forms