Pastoral Care

The Pastoral Care Ministry provides support, comfort, and prayer to parishioners and their families in times of stress, loss, crisis, or life changing events. In responding to Jesus’s call to be good shepherds and share God’s love, we provide a non-judgmental listening presence in the strictest confidence. The chairperson of the Pastoral Care Ministry is Carolyn Hartko.

Communion to the Sick is a eucharistic ministry. Volunteers distribute the Eucharist to parishioners who are temporarily or permanently housebound. An attempt is made to match volunteers with recipients who live in the same county, Bedford or Franklin. Mike McKnew coordinates this ministry.

The Funeral Committee guides families through the process of planning a dignified Catholic funeral, choosing everything from music to readings, tributes, and those they would like to participate. Anne Jogerst and Linda McDonnell give the family direction and support through this difficult time. 

The Funeral Committee also assists in preplanning a funeral. Preplanning a funeral spares loved ones from wondering what was wanted by the deceased. It reduces conflicts by providing clear written instruction and eases grief by enabling family members to focus on emotional support instead of urgent planning.

For the families of the deceased, the Lazarus Committee takes a great burden off them and gives comfort in their difficult time. Mary Flynn coordinates teams of usually four volunteers who plan a funeral reception in Morrow Hall for the family and friends of the deceased. Each team has a leader who, together with the Funeral Coordinator, plans the amount of food for the number of those attending. Along with her team, they set up, give fellowship to those attending, and clean up. Parishioners are asked to contribute finger foods and desserts. The church provides sandwiches and beverages, etc.

The Healing Prayer group offers prayer with and for any parishioner who is in need. Prayer requests are confidential unless the person gives permission to share the purpose with others.

Ministry of Caring (MOC) is a lay ministry of Resurrection Catholic Church partnered with Trinity Ecumenical Parish to provide short-term help for families in need of things, such as transportation to the doctor or hospital, a meal for someone just home from the hospital, respite time for the caregiver, etc. Denise Skinner is the co-coordinator for Resurrection Catholic Church, and Becki Fuzi is the co-coordinator for Trinity Ecumenical Parish. For more information pick up the Ministry of Caring trifold on the Welcome table in the narthex.

The Pastoral Care Team works with parishioners in crisis who feel they need someone in their corner. We provide a sympathetic ear for as long as the situation exists. There is a promise of confidentiality. Our members can also bring communion to the person they are matched with. The chairperson is Carolyn Hartko.