The Lazarus Ministry at Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi is a ministry of caring people who assist those who have recently lost a loved one. Our mission is to provide support to those who are grieving. Perhaps you have lost someone dear in the past and received help through family, friends, or even the Lazarus Ministry and wish to continue the cycle of giving. We are not a support group, but rather, a group of people who understand grief and wish to journey with you through this difficult time.
Contact Cheryl Saggese (732) 548-0100 x307.
You may want to be a part of the team that meets with families to help the family plan the Funeral Mass for their loved one. You would assist in the selection of readings, music and discuss family participation in the Mass. This group also attends the wake service and provides support to the priest and the family at the Funeral Mass. We also provide the family with CareNotes, and bereavement resources for local support groups in our area.
Each November we celebrate a Remembrance Mass honoring those that have died during the previous year. Members help with the preparations for the Mass- from the creation of personalized invitation letters, to attending the Mass, serving at the Mass as ushers, lectors, acolyte, or Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, to helping with the refreshments.
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Maybe you enjoy the lost art of letter writing. We reach out to parishioners who have had a loved one buried from our Church in the past year by sending anniversary cards on the one month and one year anniversary of their loved one’s death. This portion of our ministry is done at home, on your own schedule. Supplies are provided.