Ministry Information Sheet

BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY

 

1. Description of Ministry
  Bereavement ministers contact any parishioner who loses a relative. Often one phone call is sufficient. Other times on-going contact is required (based on circumstances). A bereavement support group is available - meets once a month -- 4th Tuesday of the month, in the convent at 7:30 PM. Parishioners receive three  mailings over the course of the year. Mailings include:
1/ Mass card indicating when next memorial Mass will be
2/ Follow up letter of support and information on support group
3/ Letter at time of 1st Anniversary of death of loved one
2. Frequency/Schedule of Meetings/Activities
 
Eleven support group meetings per year, one Ministry group meeting.
One Memorial Mass
Monthly bereavement support group for those who are grieving (Not all ministry members attend this group - primarily it is the eight members who facilitate the group who attend)
3. Where do I perform service?
  From home - phone call(s); attendance at meetings - if possible; attendance / participation in Memorial Mass - if possible.
4. Who are served?
  Any parishioner who is grieving the loss of a relative or friend - whether or not the person was buried at St. John’s.
5. Preparation
  Meeting with coordinator to get an overview of ministry ---- meeting provides an opportunity for individual to ask questions, receive information and materials on grieving and to assess their ability and interest in working with the bereaved. Individual needs to have good listening skills, be able to hold people’s confidences and not currently be going through the grief/loss process themselves.
Once a year Diocesan training through Family Life Office is available.
6. Contact Person(s)
  Sister Eileen Mortimer  610-876-2079  seileenm@yahoo.com

06/13/2006