Helping Hands Funeral Luncheon Ministry

Before Good Shepherd had a Parish Hall, parishioners would bring food to the home of a grieving family and serve a luncheon following the funeral of their loved one.  Gracious hearts and helping hands donated and prepared the food, set up, and cleaned up as an act of love and support to the bereaved by providing an opportunity for the family and friends to share a meal.  This act of kindness helped take some pressure off the family during their time of mourning and provided hospitality to their guests.    

Following the construction of our Parish Hall, the Helping Hands Funeral Luncheon Ministry moved on site to serve a meal following the funeral of our parishioners. Gracious hearts and helping hands continue to donate a fixed menu of casseroles, meats, cheeses, salads, and desserts.   Other food and drink items and supplies are purchased with funds donated to the ministry. Volunteers are rotated as luncheons progress throughout the year. Volunteers are contacted using a phone tree to coordinate this process. There are also set-up, server, and clean-up committees.

The Helping Hands have served hundreds of funeral luncheons over the decades, including several this year. Their goodness and generosity share warmth and consolation and build the community of parish family.   If you would like to help in this beautiful act of love and service, please contact the Parish Office.   It is an easy way to get involved.  Food donations are received in the Parish Hall Kitchen the evening before the funeral luncheon.

While this is a ministry of service and love, the deceased’s family may make a monetary donation to sustain this ministry. The funds are used to purchase food and supplies not provided by our parishioners.    

Thank you to our Funeral Luncheon Ministry for making a difference in our parish and in the lives of so many people.  May God reward the work of your loving, gracious, generous, and helping hands.