We are a Ministry of Presence at FHC Parish. We are parishioners who have been trained by the Archdiocese to offer comfort and assistance to our parish families following the death of a loved one. We don’t intend to replace our priests, but to assist them. They are always the first ministers and will be very much involved in the planning process.

We will be available to call on the family, bringing the sympathy of the parish. We can explain the steps of planning a funeral, offer assistance in choosing the readings, and suggest ways in which the family members can be part of the ceremony.

Many families may choose not to use this help and we certainly respect their wishes. There are others who would benefit from having someone assist in the planning of the wake and funeral.

The Pastoral Care Ministry will prepare a framed obituary notice and funeral information, after obtaining the family’s consent, to be placed in the church vestibule and at the side entrances. This would be in addition to the announcements at the masses and the bulletin.

If you or someone you know would be interested in joining this ministry, please contact one of the people listed below or leave your name in the rectory office.

Iretta Brennan, Sydney Fishburn, Trudy Cook, Noel Moran, Molly D'Esposito, Loretta Auchinleck and Jackie Mitchell.