Consolation Ministry

Column Introduction 

Our columnist this week, Carol Fellini, is a member of our parishes’ Ministry of Consolation. I thought it would be fitting to share her reflection with you this week since we are celebrating two funerals that touch so many of us. Sean Riccard, only twenty-six, was battling serious illness but seemed to be coping with it when he very suddenly passed away. Helen Frey had been a longtime active member of St Martha Parish who had been living with serious dementia, and through her daughter April’s involvement in multiple ministries, Helen was known to young and old in both of our parishes. Thanks to all those who shared in our collaborative’s Ministry of Consolation, these families are experiencing the loving support of Jesus Christ and His Church support them in these difficult days and in the months to come.

 

I also need to announce that this coming week both Fr. Patrick and I are making it annual retreat at the same time. Thanks to Fr. Bernie Bastos, Fr Lambert Nieme, and Fr. Jean Pierre Aubin, our daily Masses and any upcoming funerals should be able to proceed as usual. However., there will be no resident priest in our collaborative from Sunday midday through the end of Friday. Any sacramental emergencies will need to be handled by our neighboring parishes, and our deacons will assist other members of our Pastoral Team in caring for any pastoral crisis that may arise. Thankfully this situation is rare in a two-priest parish, but it is common in many other parishes. Thank you for your understanding while Father Patrick and I seek renewal in the Lord to help us better minister too and with you this Lent and Easter.

 

With assurances of our prayers for you this week,

Consolation Ministry

 

              Hello, my fellow parishioners, my name is Carol Fellini and I have been asked to write about The Ministry of Consolation; but first let me tell you a bit about myself. I have been a member of the PWC for roughly 3 years and have never looked back. When I first walked in the door at St Mary’s, Fr. Lambert was saying one of his Hallelujah’s and I was hooked!

 

              I was asked to join the Ministry of Consolation a year ago and I had many doubts about my ability to console others when I was still mourning my husband of 65 yrs. I prayed and prayed that our Lord would speak to me and he did; He encouraged me to try. Because of His trust in me, I said yes and I am amazed at the peace it gives to me to be able to help a family at their time of loss.

 

              When a family is planning the funeral of a loved one, the priest meets with them, along with a member of the Ministry, when possible. Together, we assist the family in choosing the readings & ways in which the family wishes to participate in the service. The Consolation member will also be present at the funeral Mass to greet the family and direct those taking part in the service.

 

              In addition, the Ministry of Consolation can host a small reception in the church hall following the funeral Mass if the family wishes. We also play a major role in the annual Masses of Remembrance held at both churches. We welcome any volunteers able to assist us with both events.

 

              I will tell you; I have been blessed in so many ways being involved in these Masses. The peacefulness of the Funeral Mass is in your heart and through these Masses I know that my Don is smiling and proud of me.

 

The Ministry of Consolation is just one of the many ministries flourishing within our PWC collaborative. These include altar servers, lectors, Eucharistic ministers, and various groups that contribute to the spiritual growth of our parishes. You can contact the parish office to hear more about these opportunities to serve.

 

God Bless us all in this world

 

P.S. we are so proud of our 10-year collaboration with St. Martha and St. Mary. We pray together and work together and laugh together.