The Lazarus Ministry is looking for volunteers

The Lazarus Ministry is our parish outreach to those in our church community who have lost a loved one through death. Members of this ministry assist the family of the deceased in making arrangements by explaining and helping the family to prepare the Rite of Christian Burial for their recently deceased loved one.

Lazarus Ministers represent all of us and, acting on our behalf, bring expressions of sympathy and hope to our departed parishioner’s loved ones.  The family is also informed about and invited to participate in the special memorial Mass for the past year’s deceased parishioners which is celebrated each November on All Souls Day.

 The Lazarus Ministry Volunteers

Coordinators work directly with the family of the deceased, expressing the prayers and condolences from the parish, assisting with selecting readers, readings and music for the funeral Mass.  Coordinators are expected to attend the wake and the funeral. There is training for this position.

Greeters greet mourners the day of the funeral, hand out programs, escort people to their seats and do whatever is necessary for the family and friends of the deceased to feel comforted in their time of sorrow.

Lectors read the First and Second Readings at the Funeral Liturgy, if no family member or friend of the deceased is available.

Eucharistic Ministers assist with the distribution of communion at the Funeral Mass.

Resurrection Choir is available for all of St. Michael’s Funeral Masses.  Every level of musical ability is welcomed.

Bakers – bake and deliver cakes, cookies, etc. to the family of the deceased.

If you wish to join the Lazarus Ministry or would like more information about it, please contact the Parish Center at stmichaelscranford.org or (908)-276-0360