Lazarus (Funeral) Ministry

As strange as this may seem, our Funeral Ministry is probably one of the most rewarding ministries of all.  While it may appear to be serving as glorified altar servers, your presence, gentle hand, kind welcome or just simple direction, means so much to a family that is mourning the death of a loved one.

Usually two or three people are needed to help the priest celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial for one of our parishioners, family or friends. During this ceremony, it is the tasks of the Funeral Ministry to help prepare the church for welcoming many strangers and people who have never been in our church or any church for that matter. 

A warm welcome and simple direction may be the course of the day, but there is also preparing the altar, chalices, gifts, Readings, the Pall, the Holy Water, the Crucifix, the incense, just to name a few things that are accomplished.  During the Mass of Christian Burial, you (along with others) will assist the priest at the altar and possibly assist as a Reader or Extra-Ordinary Minister of Holy Communion during the Mass.  

After the Mass is over, we once again attempt to return the church to its organized, neat and clean atmosphere that people have come to expect and appreciate here at Saint Joseph Church.

Once again, one cannot truly express in words the many blessings that you will receive in being part of someone's farewell to their loved one in a moving, spiritual and uplifting celebration of our faith and in celebrating the life of the deceased. 

Come and try this specialized ministry and see if the Lord does not reward you for the generosity of your time and talent.