The OLMV Lazarus Ministry assists families when a loved one has passed away.
It is comprised of six branches:
The First Responders assist the family with the Funeral Mass liturgy.
They are generally the initial contact with our parish, and are available to guide the family in planning the Funeral Mass.
The Funeral Day Team greets the family at the church on the day of the funeral and assists at the Mass by helping the priest as he conducts the funeral rites, and by addressing any questions the family may have regarding the Mass.
The members of Martha's Table are available to provide a meal for the family at the family's request, on a day that is convenient for the family.
It may be for example, bagels and coffee on the morning of the funeral, or a casserole on the day of the wake.
The Follow-Up Team sends sympathy cards and provides information about the OLMV bereavement support group as well as bereavement support groups within the diocese.
The Bereavement Team offers guidance for people who are coping with the loss of their loved one.
The six-week support group is offered twice a year-in the spring and in the autumn.
Dates for upcoming sessions are posted on our OLMV.net parish website, on the diocesan website and, as the seasonal session nears, in the weekly parish bulletin.
The Growth and Development Team holds meetings to evaluate the branches of the ministry; discuss how to improve the ministry; and on occasion, offers programs.
If you have need of any of these services, or have any questions about these services, or are
interested in joining the ministry, please contact Kathy Cerebe at 732-233-4113.