St. Margaret Mary Church

The St. Margaret Mary Consolation Ministry, introduced to the parish by our Pastor, Father Kenneth Zaccagnini, exists for the bereaved of our parish to know that we at St. Margaret Mary are genuinely concerned about them, and that their deceased loved one is being prayed for. The goal of this beautiful ministry is to accompany the bereaved throughout their loss and pain.

As Catholics, we are called to gather and to be nourished together  at the same table of the Lord.  This call extends for us to be responsible for one another, according to our Baptism.  When a member of Christ’s Body dies, the faithful are called to console those who have suffered the loss of the one whom they love. Christian consolation is rooted in the hope that comes from faith in the saving death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.  The ministry is defined as praying for the dead and comforting those who mourn. The Consolation Ministry answers Christ’s call to “serve one another.”  Consolation has many meanings: Listening, Empathizing, Caring, Praying, Touching, Remembering, Presence, Gentle Silence, Hope, Comfort, Love.

How do we accomplish this?  After having been notified of a parishioner’s death by the parish office, various Consolation Ministry teams take turns to deliver a sandwich ring and potato salad, along with a sympathy card, to the home of the surviving family member, on behalf of us, the parish family.  The food is ordered from a local grocery store and is paid by our church.

The team also visits the funeral home to conduct a brief prayer vigil for the deceased during the visitation time.

Then, following the first month, sixth month, and one-year anniversaries of the loved one’s death, a member of the team lights a candle in the church and makes a supporting phone call to the surviving family member.  During these calls, we remind them that they are not forgotten and that our parish and Father Ken will always be there for them when needed.

If you have any questions on how you can join a team to serve in this meaningful ministry, please call the parish office.