Bereavement Ministries &

Traditions in our Catholic Faith

While bereavement is very difficult, it is also a natural human emotion meant to provide healing and acknowledgement of God’s providence.  Our hope is that your grief will transfigure itself into an experience of greater peace and love.  However, we know that this is often difficult to both, believe and achieve in the midst of suffering.  Therefore, we have developed ministries in our Church to greatly benefit those grieving and we invite you to participate.

Monthly Grief Gathering

We gather year round.  This gathering is most important to those newly grieving while waiting to start the above Program.  Afterwards, many may want to continue with on-going prayer, discussion and social at this Gathering.  Here learning and healing continues, friendships are strengthened and one’s spiritual life is deepened.  There is no charge for this other than a contribution to our social snack.

Celebration of All Souls Day

November 2nd is a liturgical tradition for remembering all those in our personal families and in our family of faith with the celebration of Mass, our highest form of prayer.  Here we invite a representative, or a whole family, to come forward and light a candle in remembrance of those recently deceased in their family.   Mass is 7:00 pm.

Our Catholic tradition also offers the means listed below for on-going prayer and sacrifice to benefit our loved ones and/or ourselves as pilgrims on earth in communion with the saints.  These are at your convenience.

Mass Intention

An ancient tradition is the offering-up of each weekday Mass for a living or deceased person.  Holy Mass is our highest prayer because it celebrates Christ’s Sacrifice for us.  Hence, a small sacrifice is offered in union with His for the benefit of your Intention.  Scheduled Intentions are listed in our weekly bulletin that families may come and celebrate their loved one.

Request for Prayers

We have a special Prayer Book at the main entrance to our Church for you to write personal requests.  These too are made for living or deceased, for things or healings and for yourself or others.  The requests are collectively remembered each Mass and are circulated to our Oil of Gladness Prayer Chain for up to six months.  ‘The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.’  (James 5:16).  No offering is associated with this request.

Votive Candles

A rack of beautifully colored glass cups having candles for lighting are always available.  Parishioners and visitors alike may light one or more for their private prayer intention for a small offering.  This longstanding devotion represents the light of Christ in our Holy Church while you quietly pray.

With this host of opportunities for praying, healing and celebrating, it is our sincere prayer that you will avail yourselves of them.