The Arimathean Ministry of Saint Catherine Labouré Parish manifests in a beautiful way the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. The call of this ministry is to bury the dead and to pray for the living and the dead. The ministry also provides meaningful support to the living. All this is accomplish gracefully by the simple yet powerful service of those participating in this ministry.
The group’s name was taken from Joseph of Arimathea, the man who asked for the body of Jesus, so that a proper burial could be provided. The Arimatheans help in four different and specific ways:
- Attend funeral Masses
- Help in the kitchen for lunches
- Provide a dessert for funeral luncheons
- Pray for peaceful repose for the deceased and consolation to their families
Help in preparing and serving luncheons is provided by the Arimathean Kitchen Crew. Participants in this part of the ministry receive a personal phone call perhaps once every two or three months inviting them to help with a luncheon. For the luncheons the parish provides Leo Hall without charge.
The Arimathean dessert team also receives a personal phone call if they are being asked to contribute a dessert for the luncheon. Desserts are dropped off at Leo Hall or in the parish office on the day of the funeral.
Those who offer prayerful support are asked to pray in a manner that is comfortable for them. These Arimatheans are praying for peaceful repose for the deceased and for consolation to surviving family members and loved ones.
If interested in participation in any or all phases of the Arimathean Ministry please contact the parish office by phone at 717.564.1321 or at parish@sclhbg.org.