”The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” ~ Psalm 34:18
Serve as acolytes, greeters, Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors at funerals. Follow up with individuals/families after the death of a loved one and provide ongoing bereavement support from grief to healing. Celebrate the lives of those deceased on All Souls Day.
Offer post funeral hospitality receptions.
Reach out to every parish family who has lost a loved one.
Reach out to families when loved ones have died far away.
Train additional Bereavement Support facilitators.
All are welcome to participate as much or as little as they desire. We are a group of compassionate and responsive parishioners. There are roles and orientation that will fit your schedule:
Co-leader of weekly bereavement sessions.
All are invited to share in making cards for special occasions that occur for our bereaved families throughout the year.
Bereavement Ministry sponsors a nine week support group on Thursday mornings. Registration is through the Parish Office.
Bereavement Booklets are mailed to families who are grieving.
Ongoing orientation of volunteers is provided to support the many jobs.
Every November a Mass and reception are held for those who have lost loved ones during the previous year.
We refer those who have extra needs during their time of bereavement to resources in the community.
Father Stephen
Heather Benedetti
Linda Duff
Bob McGurn
Terry Fogarty
Dianne Mead
Pam Carter
Barbara Ryan
All gifts and those who feel called are welcome! Some gifts which are particularly helpful in growing and running this ministry include
Servanthood
Helping
Encouragement
Faith
Shepherding
“The care received when my parent died made me feel like my loss mattered.”
“I felt like St. Mary’s was extended family for us when we held the funeral of my Mom at the church.”
“Appreciated the ongoing kindness and support while I grieved."