The Ministry of Consolation:
Caring for those who've lost a loved one
For some eighteen years now, our Parish has experienced the gift of our Ministry of Consolation, who over that time have assisted nearly thirty-five hundred families in preparation for a funeral for a loved one. The Ministry has been well received by those served as evidenced by the abundance of thank-you notes.

As moderator of the ministry along with its leaders, I wish to offer our profound thanks to all who have served so faithfully over the years.

Just so you know, it is a diverse group: there are folks who bake a cake and deliver it with a condolence card from the Parish; coordinators who set the team in motion upon notification of a funeral; printers who prepare Mass booklets from the computer; Eucharistic Ministers to assist at the Mass; greeters who welcome and help with seating and are there with the boxes of tissues where needed; companions who meet with the family to help with the planning of the funeral Mass, in choosing the readings and the hymns. They also gather personal history and background information for the celebrants of the wake and funeral Mass to be used in the homily.

We at St. Joseph are very fortunate to have such a ministry as there are so very few parishes in our Diocese who still do. We too, however, are suffering the pains of attrition; some of our ministers have passed on, others moved and still others illness.

We would like you to search your spirits to see if the Ministry of Consolation would be a good fit for you. Please have no fear and rest assured that thorough training is provided.

I personally invite anyone interested to join us, so that with your added help we may continue for at least another eighteen years.

It’s simple, just leave your phone number at the Parish Office, by calling 669-0068 x160 or by calling Barbara Schade at 968-8793. May God continue to abundantly bless you.
Deacon John Sullivan