Funerals
There are two ways in which you can volunteer to assist grieving families to prepare for the funeral of a loved one.
Funeral Planning Team
Before you stop reading, thinking this is not the ministry for me … please, please read on.
This is one of THE MOST rewarding ministries in which a person can participate. If you have ever lost a loved one, you know the importance of having a supportive team assisting you in the planning of a funeral Mass during a time when overwhelming grief makes it challenging to just get through the day.
For those of us who have worked in this ministry, we know that this is NOT a sad ministry. Rather, the experience of working with families to select hymns and readings that best reflect the life of a loved one allows the volunteer the rare opportunity to have an immediate positive impact on the lives of people at one of the most vulnerable times in their lives.
The ministry entails meeting with family members to explain the funeral logistics and helping them select appropriate hymns and Scripture readings. The day of the funeral Mass, this team of volunteers greets the family at the church and guides them throughout the entire Mass.
And, don’t worry, training and mentorship is provided for all volunteers.
Please prayerfully consider stepping up to support these families.
If you would like more information or would like to volunteer, please contact the Parish Office (info@sjcfl.org or 941.756.3732).
Funeral Receptions
The Parish offers families the use of reception space following a funeral Mass. While the family is responsible for catering the gathering, Parish volunteers prepare the space ... coordinating with the family, setting up the reception room, preparing coffee, providing the caterer access to the reception space, etc. This ministry requires many volunteers, volunteers who really love providing hospitality, and volunteers who can be available on relatively short notice. (For most funerals, we only have 3-5 days notice.)
If you are interested in helping in this ministry, please contact the Parish Office (941.756.3732 or info@sjcfl.org).