We are a community dedicated to the ongoing development of a comprehensive ministry of pastoral care. Our goal is to journey with those who are in life transitions due to age, illness, or the unexpected turns of life. Our ministers of pastoral care:
Please contact us if you are in need of pastoral care, or for more information on becoming a part of this vital parish ministry.
Lord God, you are attentive
to the voice of our pleading.
Let us find in your Son
comfort in our sadness,
certainty in our doubt, and
courage to live through this hour.
Make our faith strong
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Our bereavement ministry offers a variety of ways to support those who are grieving the death of a loved one, from phone calls and note cards to grief support groups.
Seasons of Hope is centered on Jesus Christ and grounded in the healing wisdom, traditions, and practices of the Catholic Church. The small faith-sharing group typically meets for six consecutive weeks. Anyone who is mourning the death of a loved one is welcome to attend. Participants are asked to bring a bible (we also have bibles available) and each receives a journal to guide them through the sessions. Registration is requested so materials can be prepared.
I learned that I am not alone; there is hope in my grief.
The focus on prayer and scripture helps me to see what God is saying to me in my grief.
The participant journal helps me writing my thoughts and feelings.
I find the faith sharing helpful, to talk about loved ones and share memories.
I learned how to listen and communicate with others, and to realize I am not the only one hurting.
In a large parish, there are always many people who, because of failing health, infirmity, or age are no longer able to join the parish community for Sunday liturgies. Eucharistic Ministers to the Homebound visit these people and, in the context of a ritual prayer service, share with them Holy Communion. Eucharistic Ministers to the Homebound are trained and commissioned in their ministry and work with the coordinator to determine which people they will visit.
As Christians we believe that new life comes through death. Just as Christ was raised from the dead, so we believe that we who have been baptized with him will be raised to new life with him also (Romans 6:3-5). In the prayers of the funeral rite, the Church proclaims that death is not the end, nor does it break the bond of love formed in life. Our Ministers of Consolation meet with families who have experienced the death of a loved one to help them prepare the Rite of Christian Funeral. Our ministers pray with grieving families, assist them in preparing texts and music for the funeral liturgy, and serve as ministers for the funeral rites.
Once notified by either the family or the mortuary that a parishioner has died, a date and time for the funeral is arranged with the mortuary and the parish. At that time, the parish contacts one of our Ministers of Consolation who will meet with family representatives to make preparations for the Funeral Liturgy. At this meeting suggestions for Scripture readings, music selections and ministers are discussed. Those present at this meeting are made aware of Archdiocesan and parish policies and practices regarding the Funeral Liturgy. Preparations are also made for the praying of the Rosary or celebration of the Vigil for the Deceased.
St. Paul tells us in his first letter to the Corinthians (12:26) that “if one member suffers in the body of Christ, which is the Church, all the members suffer with that member.” This is why the Church places the responsibility for the ministry of consolation with the community of faith. The Church calls each member of Christ’s Body—priest, deacon, layperson—to care for the dying, to pray for the dead, and to comfort those who mourn. Each one of us shares in this ministry. (Order of Christian Funerals, General Introduction, #8-11)
As a community of faith we fulfill this ministry primarily through our participation in the funeral rites—the Rosary, the vigil for the deceased, the funeral liturgy, and the rite of committal. Our faith in the resurrection of the dead brings support and strength to those who suffer the loss of those whom they love. This is why we celebrate funerals at our regularly scheduled weekday liturgies. Because it is our responsibility as a faith community to support those who mourn and to pray for those who have died.
Courage does not always roar.
Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day, saying…
“I will try again tomorrow.”
Mary Anne Radmacher