The ministry is named after Joseph of Arimathea, who is mentioned in all four Gospels.
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)
At each funeral or memorial Mass, at least two Arimatheans are present to fulfill the following roles:
Arimatheans are parishioners who are practicing Catholics in good standing with the Church. They are called to be people of deep faith and compassion for the bereaved. Those already serving in liturgical ministries—such as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Sacristans, Readers, Servers, and Ushers—are strongly encouraged to participate in this ministry as they are able.
For more information contact the Liturgy Coordinator ([email protected]).