The Arimathean Ministry at the Shrine of St. Jude Needs You!

My name is Tom Roach and I’d like to take just a few minutes of your time to speak about, and possibly interest you with joining the Arimathean Ministry.

The Arimathean Ministry is relatively new at the Shrine of St. Jude beginning in 2019 based on a call from Father Lee to fulfill one of the seven Corporal Works of Mercy, to Bury the Dead. The name of the ministry comes from Joseph of Arimathea who cared for the body of Jesus by removing Him from the cross, wrapping Him in linen cloth, and laying him in Joseph’s personal tomb. The purpose of the ministry is be a welcoming presence at funeral Masses.

Keep in mind, many funeral visitors are not parishioners or even Catholic. The new ministry has proven to be a wonderful evangelization exposure for our church.

Feedback from families have been very positive about the ministry with personal notes of gratitude that were received for comfort and support provided during their very difficult time.

Our aim is to limit at least two volunteers who would be able to serve no more than two funerals a month.

If you are interested in joining this rewarding ministry, have a flexible weekday schedule and own a dark suit; please contact the Parish Office.

Thank you and God Bless you.

The Arimathean Ministry at the Shrine of St. Jude Needs You!

The Arimathean Ministry is relatively new at the Shrine of St. Jude beginning in 2019 based on a call from Father Paul Lee to fulfill one of the seven Corporal Works of Mercy to Bury the Dead. The name of the ministry comes from Joseph of Arimathea who cared for the body of Jesus by removing him from the cross, wrapping him in linen cloth, and laying him in Joseph’s personal tomb. The purpose of the ministry is be a welcoming presence at funeral Masses at the Shrine of St. Jude. Five dedicated parishioners answered the initial call, Pompea DiBona, Jeanne Donnatelli, Lilia Knight, Tom Roach, and Ingrid Roberts. Rita Robert joined the group in June 2020.

The main duty of an Arimathean is to welcome the family and guests to the service. Other important duties may include: ensuring all items that are needed are in the right place such as the pall for the casket, table and cloth for cremains, special stands, tables or easels for photos/mementos. The Arimathean also prepares the incense burner, sets up the offertory gifts at the main church entrance and moves the Paschal Candle to the center aisle and sets up the readings in a special notebook just for funerals. Again, the Arimathean meets with the family to assist them with the readings prior and during the service. If necessary, the Arimathean will serve as a lector or a Eucharistic minister if commissioned as one. The group may also be asked to assist the celebrant as altar servers if none are available.

Father Bob Kosty trained the Arimatheans in every aspect of the duties the ministry performs. He has been instrumental in gently guiding the Arimatheans in assisting the clergy and grieving families.

The ministry now serves about an average of two funerals per week with the interruption from March 2020 to June 2021 due to the Pandemic. Borne out experience, the Arimatheans recognized the need to help visitors navigate our large parish campus by setting up directional signs to parking, church entrances, and rest rooms. A funeral sign was also set up by the Arimatheans in the Breezeway to announce upcoming funeral or memorial Masses.

Feedback from families have been very positive about the ministry with personal notes of gratitude for comfort and support during their very difficult time.

The new ministry has proven to be a wonderful evangelization for our church.

If you are interested in joining this rewarding ministry and own a dark suit, contact the Parish Secretary, Laura Sanchez Cruz – 301-946-800 x300, [email protected] or Tom Roach [email protected]