No member of the faith community grieves alone. The compassionate
God embraces all; the outreach of bereavement ministry will be no
less compassionate as it strives to be the loving comfort of God here
and now. Together, while comforting the bereaved, we worship,
praise, and thank God for the gift of this life, which has been returned
to Him.
The Bereavement Ministry, includes Funeral Liturgy planning,
reception after funeral, and Grief Support Program. Ministering to the
grieved is the responsibility of the entire parish, and this ministry
works at involving many other parish ministries for the Funeral
Liturgy such as the Ministers of Music, Lectors, Extraordinary
Ministers of Holy Communion, Sacristans and Altar Servers. Their
participation is vital to the success of the Bereavement Ministry.
-Funeral Ministers meet with the family of the deceased to offer them
comfort and to assist in their choosing the readings and music and
other details of the Liturgy. Ministers may also attend the wake and/or
committal for prayers when Father is not available.
-Reception Ministers are notified when a reception is requested by the
family of the deceased and work in teams to provide food and drink
after the funerals. They cook and/or set up and serve at the reception.
-Grief Support facilitators offer, twice a year, a 6-week support
program for those who have experienced the death of a loved one.
Volunteer
A kind heart and a compassionate nature is the experience necessary
for all phases of Bereavement Ministers. Training and mentoring are
provided. If you feel you are being called by God to participate in any
phase of this compassionate ministry please contact the parish office
at 352 245-2458. We need you!