Purpose

I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, though they should die, will come to life, and those who are alive and believe in me will never die. When a member of Christ's Body dies, we are called to a ministry of consolation. The Church calls us to care for the dying, to pray for the dead, and to comfort those who mourn. As a people of faith, we believe that God created each person for eternal life and that as Christ was raised from the dead we too will be raised to glory.

The purpose of this ministry is to comfort families in their loss, to help them plan a funeral liturgy that is respectful and comforting, and to offer support as needed.

Eligibility

This ministry is open to any parishioner who has time during the day or evenings, is familiar with scripture and has an avid interest in offering consolation and support to those who are mourning the death of a loved one.

Our Bereavement Ministers are called upon no more than once every two to three months and are free to say no if they are busy. This is an excellent opportunity for you to get involved here at St. Mary of Vernon in a ministry that requires very little of your time.

Areas of Ministry

Bereavement Ministers are trained lay people who comfort families in their loss, help them plan a funeral liturgy that is respectful and comforting to the bereaved, and offer support as needed. Bereavement ministers visit the bereaved families in their homes and offer them their choice of appropriate scripture readings and hymns.

Contact

The Director of the Bereavement Programs at St. Mary of Vernon assists families in the planning of funeral liturgies, comforts them in their loss and facilitates and directs our grief support program for adults, children and teens. The Director also oversees our Funeral Luncheon ministry, Caring Hearts and Hands and Prayer Ministry.

For information about this ministry, please contact the parish office. We are always in need of volunteers.