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Martha and Mary Ministry: Lovingly Serving Parishioners in Times of Loss
The sense of community runs deep at Our Lady of the Assumption. Many of our parish ministries revolve around opportunities for fellowship, spiritual enrichment, and service. The Martha and Mary Ministry is no exception.
“Our ministry has two primary purposes,” says ministry coordinator Peggy Stradford. “We gather once a month for fellowship and sometimes spiritual formation — but more than that, we offer funeral receptions for parishioners.”
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This ministry draws its name from the sisters of Lazarus, the man Jesus raised from the dead. Generally, the funeral receptions take place in St. John’s Hall, which can easily accommodate 80 loved ones together after a funeral.
“When a loved one from the parish dies, the families speak to someone within the Bereavement Ministry first,” Peggy says. “They explain what we can provide. If the family is interested, then we take it from there to coordinate amongst ourselves for volunteers to staff the luncheon, do the grocery shopping, and everything else. We are typically asked to serve one or two funeral luncheons a month, even though the parish typically has more funerals.”
Many of the women in the Martha and Mary Ministry enjoy the communal opportunities brought forth through their involvement. They share stories and recipes and reminisce on their children growing up while they gather together.
“Our time together really enhances the sense of community that exists at OLA,” Peggy says. “We are really engaged within the parish and feel that sense of belonging. Even if we do not know the parishioner we are providing the meal for, we know serving their family in this time of need takes a burden off their plate during the time of mourning.”
The Martha and Mary Ministry is really where the opportunity to socialize and serve comes together. Besides providing meals for funeral luncheons, occasionally the women bake desserts to support different fundraisers at the parish. Their support of these fundraisers has helped provide funds for families in need, as well as the needs of the Altar Society.
“I became interested in this ministry because of the opportunity to help people in their time of need,” Peggy says. “Being able to offer my time like this is something I am blessed to be able to do. There’s something so emotionally fulfilling in supporting the mourning families. I invite anyone interested in learning more to reach out. If you work one luncheon, you will likely come back because of this beautiful opportunity to serve.”
