Martha’s Helpers

As part of our Ministry of Consolation, Martha’s Helpers provide receptions following a Funeral or Memorial Mass at St. Mary’s Parish, upon request of the family of the deceased.  This service is provided whenever possible.

To request the services of Martha’s Helpers please contact a priest by calling the parish at (408) 354-3726 and leave a message for either Fr. Justin at extension 139, or Fr. Richard at extension 138; or call the parish secretary, Carolee Gannon at extension 110.

Martha's Helpers have been providing food for funeral receptions for over 30 years to parishioners who are grieving the loss of a loved one.  The ministry began in 1977 when twelve women in St. Mary's Parish decided that they would like to provide the food following a funeral if a family in the parish requested it. They gathered the food and brought it to the family’s home.  Additional new volunteers assisted along the way and the list of helpers expanded.  When Hofmann Center became available, they provided a reception there, if the family desired.  

Volunteers are asked to bring a tray of food, usually once a year.  This ministry is completely self- supporting.   If you are interested in this outreach to "comfort those who mourn," contact Rita Fisher at 354-9103, rgfisher@earthlink.net or Molly Mahoney at 395-2905  mmahoney@themahoneycompany.com