November 2006 - Offer a Bereavement Service

“Blessed are those who mourn: they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)

During Listening 2004 we heard a great deal about the loneliness that can arise following a bereavement. As a parish family we can create social and liturgical opportunities for people to gather for sharing and mutual support, both in church and in the home. 

A leaflet to help pastors, parish councils and welcome teams reach out to the bereaved. 

As one parish writes: ‘Our bereavement ministry group takes on the responsibility of making contact with the families in our parish who have experienced a loss. The group meets together on a regular basis to deepen their knowledge of loss issues through training and to share experiences of this important ministry.  Most importantly we pray together for those who have died and those who have been left behind.’  

Your parish might consider identifying, gathering and training teams to visit, listen to and befriend the bereaved.  Planning the funeral is an opportunity to minister to parishioners and those who might not often be involved with their Parish family.  The funeral service might offer opportunity to comfort and encourage those for whom attending church is not a familiar activity as well as for parishioners.  After the funeral, visits and invitations to those bereaved might help ease some of the loneliness and isolation.

Links

Order of Christian Funerals

Church Affirms Importance of Remembrance

Catholic Agency to Support Evangelisation resource for Remembrance

Care for the Family Support Net - Understanding Bereavement