Bereavement Ministry

Ministry Name:  Bereavement Ministry

Ministry Coordinator:  Patricia R. Moran

Parish Staff Liaison:  Rev. Gabriel Torres

Ministry Description:          

Mt 5:4  Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.

The church has always made the care of the grieving a priority in her ministry, beginning with the example of Jesus himself.  The reference in the Beatitudes, the miraculous raising of Lazarus - all are clear expressions of the Lord's concern for those experiencing the pain of the loss of a loved one.

What the ministry does:

Bereavement ministers meet with the family of parish deceased to express sorrow on behalf of the Most Blessed Trinity Parish community.  We assist the family in the selection of readings and music for the funeral mass and assist them in any way we can to help them through this difficult time in their family's need.  At the time of the funeral, ministers assist the priest, provide funeral missals, do the readings if necessary, assist with the Holy Eucharist and clean up after the funeral mass.

To whom the Ministry serves:

Initially the bereaved family of the deceased, subsequently the clergy who conduct the liturgical service, the family and mourners.

Qualities/Skills of the ministers:

Ministers are warm, compassionate, spiritual individuals who are able to follow set practice, but maintain flexibility and be able to relate of a wide variety of people.

Monthly service:

Assisting the family is about one hour and the funeral service is about 1 1/2 hours.

Meetings/Formations: 

A one to two hour meeting quarterly. Bereavement ministers must attend a one day training session provided by the Archdiocese of Chicago and every three years refresh their training.  The Catholic Church's Order of Christian Funerals is their guide.