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Sharon Gerhart:
Embracing Faith and Service, Fostering a Sense of Belonging
haron Gerhart knows that when you find the Members of the Ministry of Consolation act as ministry to which God is calling you, it’s more coordinators between a grieving family and all of than just a service project or another meeting to add the necessary contacts when planning a funeral — to your schedule. A parishioner for 12 years, Sharon the priest, the Director of Music, the Helping Hands has found that being involved in a meaningful Ministry, and the funeral home. ministry is truly what has strengthened her faith and “It’s being able to be there for the family,” Sharon given her a sense of belonging. says. “So many of them have no Today, Sharon serves with idea what to do, especially now the Ministry of Consolation, is an when generations haven’t stayed officer with the Catholic Ladies with the Church.” Relief Society, and is a lector and Ministering to the grieving Extraordinary Minister of Holy and helping to bury the dead Communion at Mass. However, brings Sharon close with the this wasn’t always the case Corporal and Spiritual Works of for Sharon. A transplant from Mercy required by our faith. North Dakota, Sharon found “Being closer to the Works of herself drifting away from the Mercy confirms my faith and the Catholic Church for many years. reason that we’re here,” Sharon About 12 years ago, Sharon had says. “Death is not an ending, slowly begun attending Mass but a beginning and the most Sharon Gerhart again at St. Patrick. She heard an important beginning.” announcement at Mass about a meeting of Catholics Serving through the parish has taught Sharon Come Home, so she decided to attend. Through that the true value of staying faithful to the Church and group, Sharon was encouraged to get more involved it has given her greater compassion for those she with the church. serves. Just as Sharon was once the one feeling like “That was a key for me, to be a part of parish life an outsider, not realizing that she needed so badly to instead of left out,” Sharon says. “There are many belong to the community, she now recognizes how that come to Mass and are not greeted, talked to, or she can be that loving hand to others. welcomed, and they don’t always stay.” “I believe that in our everyday lives, what we When Sharon started getting involved, someone share, what we talk about, and our behavior allows suggested that she talk to the coordinator of the other people to see how our faith is important in our Ministry of Consolation. lives and what it really means to us and it serves as an “The Holy Spirit was really working that day,” example to them,” Sharon says. “Sometimes, there are Sharon says. no words needed.”
“I believe that in our everyday lives, what we share, what we talk about, and our behavior allows other people to see how our faith is important in our lives and what it really means to us and it serves as an example to them. Sometimes, there are no words needed.” — S h ar o n G er h art
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