The Lazarus Ministry was established more than 39 years ago here at St. Mary’s at the suggestion of our pastor, Leonard Kempski.  He had attended a funeral in Ohio and the parish had provided a luncheon reception for all the guests.  So he thought “St. Mary’s could do this easily with our exceptional volunteers.”  And we did!  The ministry was set to meet the needs of those in our parish family suffering the loss of a loved one.  There are now over 100 volunteers who serve this Ministry in a variety of ways:  some make phone calls, others cook, make flower arrangements, serve at the luncheon, clean up, write notes to the bereaved, organize subscriptions for spiritual reading for the bereaved.  There is something for everyone!

These services are extended to all parishioners who have lost a loved one and to families of parishioners who have been buried here.  As part of our Ministry, we pray for the deceased and their family.

Members of the Ministry agree our efforts and the work of the Holy Spirit comfort the bereaved of St. Mary's at a time when they are most vulnerable. We come together once a year for meeting and prayer to worship our God and His goodness and to ask for His guidance in our Ministry.   And also to connect with one another as a Ministry devoted to making our parish family a community of kindness, caring and love.

The Lazarus Ministry is prepared to offer at the time of a funeral the following:

• Hospitality at Funeral Mass and wake if held in the church.
• Provide complete funeral luncheon served in parish facility
• Organize setup/clean up for luncheon
• Help with families’ reception arrangements
• Create Mass Program for the Christian Burial Liturgy
• Provide transportation, if needed
• Following funeral, condolence notes from the Ministry
• Year’s subscription to “Living Faith” for families from parish
• All Soul’s Day Special Liturgy for families and reception

We welcome new volunteers to our Ministry.  If you are interested in joining a special group that cherishes helping our parish family, please let us know!                    

Lazarus Coordinator:  Rita Willis 610-345-9156