We are all on our individual journey winding our way to the goal of spending eternity with Jesus Christ. Individually, we may think that we journey alone or with our family members and close friends. But since Christ lives within each of us our journeys take us to encounters with everyone we meet. Now, I am going to ask you to think of someone in our Church family community who has lost a spouse, or sibling, child, parent, or someone else of significant closeness. The path that they were on takes an abrupt exit to a deeper and more painful journey and sometimes they ARE alone. After the immediate loss and funeral events family and friends go their own way (back to their journeys) and those who do stay involved may think that enough time has been spent grieving and it is now time for the bereaved to “get on with it.” The mourner’s journey is NOT over, and they turn to their Christian Community for a companion to walk with them to pray, listen and talk. A Bereavement companion opens their own personal journey path to the bereaved by focusing on the needs of the person they are “companioning” to be heard, understood, and helped. Our role in the Bereavement Apostolate is to provide a safe place for someone to express themselves. When companioning it means being silent. Finally, the Bereavement Apostolate is a “ministry of presence” one in which listening and being available to those who suffer are the most important aspects. It is a relational ministry that will only thrive through people accompanying other people toward Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate healer. Can we count on you? 

If you are interested in becoming apart of the Bereavement Ministry  Companion Team, please call the parish office.