A Listening Presence: Two Parishioners Commissioned to Lead BeFriender Ministry at Assumption Parish
September 16, 2025 – On September 14, at Sunday morning Mass, parishioners Denise Kearl and Marcia Schneider were commissioned to lead BeFriender Ministry at Assumption Parish. For the past year, they have been in formation to bring this new ministry to their parish.
BeFriender Ministry is an active listening ministry, a ministry of consolation to those who are undergoing times of illness, grief, or loss. They provide the nonjudgmental presence of Jesus to those who need to talk about their trials and suffering; not counseling or giving advice but loving through confidential listening.
Fittingly, the commissioning took place on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and the Jubilee of Consolation in this Jubilee Year of Hope.
“Consolation ministry is when we, united with and in Christ, displace ourselves out of our comfort zones and compassionately accompany those who are experiencing loss, illness, violence, or abuse,” shared John Graveline, Director of Parish Life.
“Our next step is to call forth the gifts of compassion in our parishioners, inviting others into this ministry of mercy and training a core group of BeFriender ministers. When these volunteers are formed, we can begin offering this service to our neighbors in need, hopefully in early 2026.”
If you feel that God is calling you to accompany our sisters and brothers in need as a BeFriender or have questions regarding the ministry, please contact John Graveline or visit the BeFriender Ministry page for more information.