GOOD SHEPHERD'S BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY

The text below is excerpted from an article in the Autumn 2005 “Shepherd’s Call” newsletter written by Jacqueline Horkan

Gary Baranik died suddenly in December.  This article is published here as a tribute to the wonderful example of ministry that Gary provided to us all.  Doris and the many faithful volunteers of the Bereavement Ministry continue to serve grieving families of Good Shepherd.

When he says they are vessels, she laughs and says she prefers the term handmaiden. They are Doris and Gary Baranik, the heads of Good Shepherd’s bereavement ministry, which serves parishioners when they lose a loved one. Doris and Gary met at Good Shepherd, a year after she transferred from Blessed Sacrament. Doris had been caring for her ailing father and stepmother, while Gary was still grieving the loss of his wife Paulette.

Four years ago, the couple married and then formed the bereavement ministry. “It was something we were both interested in,” says Doris. “So we talked to Father Mike and he gave us the go ahead.” Volunteers in the bereavement ministry help parishioners plan the funerals of family and friends, from picking out the casket to organizing the funeral Mass and reception.

Doris says that most people have no idea how many decisions go into planning a funeral, and making decisions while you’re grieving can be difficult. “I’ve helped someone with everything from deciding which readings his mother would have wanted to picking out who would do the eulogy. Other times, we’ve gone to the nursing home to pack up the person’s belongings and return them to the family.”

The Baraniks compare the process to triage in a hospital. “We’re there as little or as much as people want,” says Gary. “We’re there for them and we let them guide us.” Doris and Gary rely on a core group of volunteers who run errands for families provide meals, cater receptions, pick up relatives flying in for the funeral, and tend to any of the other assorted needs that crop up.

Elizabeth Craddy and her four children are part of that cadre of volunteers. Her oldest daughter is an altar server, while her two boys provide muscle when it comes to loading up the car. Four-year old Emma Rose helps with receptions and raises the spirits of the mourners. “There is a ministry for everyone and it’s important to be a part of your parish and to volunteer somehow,” says Elizabeth. “And I think that’s what my children are learning.”

Carol Herndon, another bereavement volunteer, says, “When you are a complete stranger and you provide these people with a reception they are completely overwhelmed. “It’s a very simple way of giving,” she continues. “You’re behind the scenes but somehow people know that you’re there for.