3 minute read
The Funeral Dinners Ministry There for Our Parish Families in Need
If a loved one dies, it is deeply comforting to know that as a member of our parish family, you will never have to grieve alone. Thanks to the Funeral Dinners Ministry, your fellow parishioners will be right there at your side.
“In the Gospels, Christ says to help those who mourn, and that is what we are trying to do,” says Timothea Murtha, who coordinates the ministry at St. James Parish. “It is a special ministry to offer to the grieving families of our community — something we really should do for them. When you are grieving, it is really important that your church family makes an effort to be there for you.
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“We are a small parish congregation and we all know one other, so this is a good service to offer to each other,” Timothea adds. “It is also a way to show stewardship by giving your time and talent to your parish family in need.”
The family meets with Fr. John about funeral details, and he discusses the option of a funeral dinner or other meal option. “The volunteers are so gracious,” says Fr. John. “When flexibility is needed — they respond. They also offer true hospitality to the grieving family — what a beautiful ministry.”
Next, the ministry volunteers prepare their designated dishes at home and bring them to the parish on the day of the funeral. They generally go with a set menu, which includes sandwiches, salads, and a dessert. St. John volunteers provide baked ham as a main course. The volunteers set up the meal, serve it and clean up afterward.
If the family of the deceased prefers not to have a meal served at the parish, ministry volunteers are more than willing to prepare a meal for a smaller group and bring it to their home. There is no charge for the meal that the Funeral Dinners Ministry offers or for their services.
“We like to do this for the grieving family because they are very busy and are going through such a hard time,” Timothea says. “I was inspired to sign up for this ministry in 2000 simply because it needed to be done, and I am still busy with it today!”
Ultimately, this beautiful outreach of mercy reminds us of what God’s Word proclaims in Revelation 21:4, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away.”
