Ministries combine for efficiency

At Sacred Heart parish in Castleton, Ben Mastrototaro got the idea to combine three ministries -- the bereavement team, an AIDS care team, and a visitation ministry to the sick and homebound --to better meet the needs of parishioners.

After being a volunteer on a care team himself for many years, he said that it seemed logical to optimize the services by combining them.

The new ministry has about 35 volunteers who work together to provide Christian service. They call themselves the Samaritans.

Three in one

"The [former] bereavement team basically planned the entire funeral liturgy of deceased parishioners, from meeting with the family of the deceased to determining what prayers, music and readings would be part of the liturgy," Mr. Mastrototaro explained. If necessary, the volunteers would even serve as pallbearers, lectors and Eucharistic ministers.

The AIDS care team, formed about ten years ago, supports HIV/AIDS patients who require assistance while living at home or in a hospice. Such services can include transportation to and from medical visits and meal preparation.

The third ministry visits the sick and homebound, seniors, and those recovering from surgery.

All for one

Uniting the three ministries, Mr. Mastrototaro said, intensifies the work the volunteers can perform.

"Each one of these ministries is a service ministry," he explained. "Now that we are one group, we can be more effective than we were individually.

"Part of our parish mission statement says that we are family; and, in times of need, family members come together to give support and comfort. The mission of the Samaritans is to give comfort and support to the families and friends who are in need. Our hope is that all their needs will be met, that no one will fall through the cracks."

(1/4/07) [[In-content Ad]]