Christian Companions attend Assumption funeral masses and bring consolation, support, and assistance to those surviving the loss of a loved one. Members serve as greeters, lectors and Extraordinary Ministers of Communion as needed at funeral masses, and sometimes help the family with special displays such as photography and altar preparations.

Each November, Christian Companions organize and host a Memorial Mass in which the faithful light candles for each parishioner buried from the parish that year. Candles are placed on the altar depicting the individual name of the departed and families can take their candle home following the mass, said longtime Christian Companions member Donna Klein. Members meet each October to finalize the Memorial Mass and send out sympathy cards and reminders for the special mass.

“Christian Companions was started by Father Justin so we could show the families that we as a church family are praying for them and are here to assist them,” Klein said.

The ministry has about 15 members. Klein alerts members of approaching funeral masses via email notifications and members attend as their schedules allow. Christian Companions arrive 20 minutes early to the mass to assist the family and serve as greeters. They sit in the front pews near the immediate family.

To learn more about joining Christian Companions, interested parishioners can contact the Rectory or Donna Klein directly at (440) 526-0057.