St. Michael's parishioners are angelic to the grieving

"It's a wonderful group of dedicated people," parish secretary Mary Sipowicz recently commented. "The teams in that ministry supply a caring atmosphere in a place where the family and friends can gather after the funeral."

Thanks to the ministry, families don't have to cope with the complications of where mourners will gather after a funeral Mass and burial. "The volunteers will even provide transportation for any family member that needs it," she said.

Easing the burden

Nearly 100 volunteers are involved in the ministry, which is led by Loretta Salazar. She was instrumental in establishing the hospitality ministry, which came about as the result of the loss of her daughter in 1989.

"When our daughter died, we asked [Rev. Robert Nugent, pastor] if we could use the parish hall for the reception," she recalled. "We knew that a lot of family members and friends planned to attend the funeral, and that they would not be able to fit into our home. Father was very gracious to let us use the parish hall."

Surprise help

To her surprise, members of the Rosary/Altar Society had done it for her, and it was ready for the mourners when they arrived. They had also set up tables. Mrs. Salazar was deeply moved by the outpouring of hospitality. The memory of that kindness remained with her for several years until she met Sister Mary Electra Barber, SA.

"Sister Mary came to the parish to work in the religious education program," she explained. "She and I talked several times about starting a bereavement or hospitality ministry. We both felt that it would be a great benefit to other families who found themselves in the situation our family had been in when our daughter passed away."

Getting started

Subsequently, they had a meeting at St. Michael's with about 90 interested parishioners. A core group was established, and teams of 12 to 15 people were established to take turns supplying hospitality for funerals.

"In 1993, we worked our first funeral," Mrs. Salazar said. "We weren't sure we were ready, but I remember Sister Mary telling us that we could do it. So, ready or not, we did!"

They have been going strong ever since.

Teamwork

When Mrs. Salazar receives word that a funeral Mass is scheduled, she contacts family members of the deceased and offers the use of the parish hall. If they express an interest, she calls the leader of the team that is scheduled to provide hospitality. In turn, the leader contacts volunteers.

The team then goes into action, "buying food and supplies, making home-made desserts, arranging for any transportation needs -- whatever is necessary to accommodate family members on the day of the funeral," Mrs. Salazar said. "Each one helps out any way they can. That's what makes this such a wonderful ministry. Each person gives what he or she is able to give."

Pitching in

"A long time ago, we designed a light luncheon menu for our families," Mrs. Salazar noted. "Through trial and error, we've learned what people like and don't like, and now we pretty much stick to the same meal."

In addition, the ministry does all it can to help families that choose to gather in their home rather than at the parish hall. "Even if they go back home, we will provide our luncheon menu if they want it," she said.

Training

The group has printed an informational brochure regarding its services and works with area funeral homes in its continuing support of families in grief.

(For additional information on the bereavement/hospitality ministry, contact the parish office at 792-5859. For information on starting such a ministry, contact the diocesan Office of Pastoral Planning at 453-6661.)

(04-25-02) [[In-content Ad]]