GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE MINISTRY:

The death of a loved one can be a very difficult time for the immediate family. In our own families, at the moment we hear of the death of a loved one, we want to offer the family our support and our care. So too, OUR Church family reaches out to the bereaved family with compassion care and prayerful support to people who have experienced a loss.

The Lazarus group consists of members of our parish family who want to extend that compassion to the newly bereaved. Members of the Lazarus group help by:

• Assisting the family in the planning of the funeral liturgy, the choosing of scripture readings or hymns, lectors, servers, etc .according to need.
• Attending the service and offer support and assistance to all that are present at the funeral Mass.
• Providing a volunteer greeter who offers a warm welcome to family and friends attending the funeral.
• Assisting the family with any special needs that may arise during the funeral.
• Members of the Lazarus committee keep the deceased and their families in prayer adding another level of comfort during this most difficult time.
• Volunteers may help in hosting a luncheon after the funeral which may include homemade foods, setting up and cleaning up the Parish hall.
• If needed, volunteers also provide house sitting and/or child care during the funeral service.

Volunteers are welcome to join. Contact Lillian Fambach 653-7086 or Eleanor Schauer 378-4756 for more information.