Helping Families In Times of Loss and Grief
"Wherever two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
Matthew 18:20
What We're About
When people have experienced the death of a loved one, Bereavement Ministers try to make the funeral planning process a healing one.
Our ministry is to extend the care and concern of the parish community to the grieving family by meeting with them as soon as possible to:
- Familiarize them with the funeral liturgy and the choices they will be making
- Help them select meaningful Scripture readings and appropriate hymns
- Gather information about the deceased person to assist the ministers who will conduct the wake service and the funeral.
- Pray with them
- Attend the funeral
- Stay in touch with the family over the following year, sending cards and making phone calls to check on how they are doing
- Invite them to the parish’s All Souls’ Day Mass of Remembrance
How Can You Help?
We are looking to add members to our corps of Bereavement Ministers. Being present to families in their time of loss of a loved one may seem somewhat daunting, even frightening. Actually those of us in this ministry have found it to be a gift.
It’s not what you say but how you listen;
it’s not having answers but having faith;
it’s not avoiding pain but holding on to each other and to God that are the heart of this ministry.
To Learn More
In-service training is available. You will work with experienced ministers and come to a sense of readiness.
For more information, contact Lynn Howard 847-885-7703.
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