When it was already evening, since it was the day of preparation, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a distinguished member of the council, who was himself awaiting the Kingdom of God, came and courageously went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate was amazed that he was already dead. He summoned the centurion and asked him if Jesus had already died. And when he learned of it from the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph. Having brought a linen cloth, he took him down, wrapped him in the linen cloth and laid him in a tomb that had been hewn out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Jesus, watched where he laid. Mark 15, 42-47.

The name of this Ministry takes itself from Joseph of Arimathea, who appears in all four gospels.  These men and women assist the presider at funeral liturgies in order to offer a meaningful, comforting service, hospitality, and sympathy to bereaved families of fellow parishioners.  With each funeral, the Arimatheans do their small part in offering comfort to a grieving family, in the example of their namesake, who also comforted Mary with his care for the body of Jesus.

Arimatheans greet and usher guests and serve as lectors, eucharistic ministers, and servers, as needed.  Special training is offered so that volunteers are comfortable in the ways in which they serve.

For more information, contact Colleen Steele at csteele@stelizabethchurchmd.org