BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY
For
the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on
them in their sorrow.
(Isahiah 49:13)
At
one time or another, every family, every individual, must deal with the
loss of a loved one - a parent, spouse, child, close friend. Sometimes
death is preceded by a long, exhausting illness; sometimes it is sudden
and shocking. In the midst of their grief, those closest to the deceased
person find themselves faced with making many immediate decisions,
including plans for a funeral and final interment.
At
such a time, a member of the Bereavement Team at Our Lady of Refuge
meets with family members and assists them in planning their loved
one’s funeral or memorial liturgy, called the Mass of Resurrection.
Our Team members are trained and experienced in responding sensitively
to the needs of those experiencing loss and sorrow. Their guidance is
subtle, caring and practical, and they are there to help from the first
meeting to the final blessing.
As soon as the Parish Office is notified of the
death of a parishioner, the Bereavement Team is contacted and a member
is assigned to assist the family in preparing the Mass of Resurrection.
The Team member then calls and arranges an appointment to meet, either
at the church or at the family’s home. A booklet of ideas for
Scripture readings is provided, along with some suggestions for music.
To help the presiding priest in preparing his homily, our Team member
makes note of important information about the deceased person’s life
and family, and special remembrances about him/her, such as personal
achievements and cherished family stories. The Team member then takes
care of notifying all necessary parish ministers
- the priest,
servers, and musician(s) - and is available to respond to the family*s
needs or questions.
On
the day of the funeral, our Bereavement Team member arrives early at
church to make sure everything is ready and is there to greet family
members and mourners. Following the Mass, the Team member ensures that
personal items, such as displayed photographs and cards are given to the
family.
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If you or your family experience the death
of a loved one, please contact our Parish Office for assistance in planning a
Mass of Resurrection:
(562)
498-6641
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If
you would like to be trained to become part of this essential,
spiritually rewarding parish ministry,
please contact:
Kay Comer
(562) 985-0788
or
Mary Brown
(562) 598-0842
E-Mail:
Liturgy
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Links
If you would like to
learn more about the Bereavement Ministry, click on the links below.
MINISTRY GROUPS
