Vision
The Bereavement and Pastoral Care Committee seeks to be a presence to the suffering/grieving family when there is serious illness or a death in our parish communities.
Purpose
The Bereavement/Pastoral Care Committee provides the following services: offers condolences to the family on behalf of the pastor and the parishioners; a visit to a grieving family the day after a death; help with planning the funeral liturgy; answers to questions and availability for any help that is required.
Tasks
The day after someone dies, two of the members of the committee in the parish where there is a death will go to visit the family. They will offer words of condolence, and offer a brochure with all the details to be attended to – readers, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, altars servers, suggestions for music, etc.. The family will meet with the Pastor to discuss the readings and talk about the deceased, and also;
- Be available if the family has any other questions, or requests before the funeral;
- Attend either the vigil or a prayer service at the visitation. Lead the vigil or prayer service if the pastor is absent;
- Send a card to the family on the first anniversary of the death of a loved one:
- Prepare vigil and prayer services to be used in the absence of the pastor;
- Prepare a brochure to be used when visiting the grieving family; and
- Prepare a list of appropriate music for funeral liturgies;
Binders were prepared with vigil prayer services; and it was decided that the vigil would incorporate prayers by CWL, Knights of Columbus, firemen, etc., so there would be one prayer service instead of many. A coordinator for each parish was chosen.
All members of the committee received a copy of the books Sacred Scripture Selections for a Funeral Liturgy and Related Rites from the Order of Christian Funerals; and Families have expressed their sincere appreciation of the work of the committee during their bereavement.
If you would like more information about this Ministry; or, would like to volunteer services – please contact us.