Bereavement Ministry
What is the role of a Bereavement Ministry?
The bereavement ministers are a group of trained volunteer parishioners who are dedicated to the needs of family and friends when they have suffered the loss of a loved one. This ministry is among the first to reach out and help others from the St. Paul of the Cross community at a difficult time.
Responsibilities:
- Collaborates and consults with loved ones to prepare and plan the specifics of the funeral liturgy
- Participates in the celebration of the funeral liturgy
- Serves as liaison between the music director and the presiding priest
- Organizes and participates in an All Souls Mass on November 2 of each year in remembrance of the deceased
Funeral Planning Mass Guidelines
- Readings: Three readings are chosen from the Bible; one from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament, and one from the Gospel.
- Prayers of the Faithful: Three-to-six petitions are read. The bereavement minister has samples or the family may write their own.
- The family may choose readers for the Old Testament, the New Testament and the Prayers of the Faithful. The priest or a deacon will read the Gospel.
Please check the St. Paul of the Cross website for suggestions on readings and music for the funeral Mass at https://andreabartolomeo7.wixsite.com/mysite.
- One speaker may deliver a three to five - minute eulogy before Mass begins.
- Two family members may bring up the gifts.
- Music: Hymns will be played at the entrance, the responsorial psalm, the presentation of gifts, communion, final commendation and recession.
- No recorded or secular music during Mass is allowed.
- An organist and a soloist are provided by the church. Guest musician(s) must coordinate with the music director before the day of the funeral.
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Bereavement Minister, contact Margaret Teich, Bereavement Coordinator, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
