Members of the Bereavement Ministry at Holy Family assist Father Joseph with the burial of the dead, a corporal work of mercy. According to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, “At the death of a Christian, whose life of faith was begun in the waters of Baptism and strengthened at the Eucharistic table, the Church intercedes on behalf of the deceased because of the confident belief that death is not the end, nor does it break the bonds forged in life. The Church ministers to the sorrowing and consoles them in the funeral rites with the comforting Word of God and the Sacrament of the Eucharist.” A Catholic funeral is divided into three parts: the vigil service, the funeral service, and the rite of committal, also known as burial or internment. Our Bereavement Ministers assist with the funeral liturgy, the primary liturgical celebration of the Christian community for the deceased.
This series of short articles will discuss how we assist the pastor in helping family and friends plan the liturgy, find resource, solve issues specific to Leisure World, and participate as parish representatives the day of the funeral. For many mourners, the funeral is one of the worst days of their lives. Bereavement Ministers can by showing compassionate support to those grieving. The loss of a person they love.
Proposed Outline:
- The Bereavement Ministry
- Planning the Funeral Liturgy
- Providing resources and solving problems
- Participating on the day of the funeral
References: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (www. Usccb.org), Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1995
