Bereavement Ministry
The Bereavement Ministry is the quiet ministry at St. Michael Parish that responds in time of sadness – when a loved one has passed on – when life may seem a bit unreal – when comfort is needed, but still may be inadequate – at a time when there may be no right words.
It’s a ministry that serves great need. Meetings are held on the fourth Monday in January, March, May, August, October, and on the first Monday in December from 7:00 to 8:00 PM in the Teachers’ Lounge at St. Michael School and Formation Center.
When a death occurs, one of the members makes a visit to the local funeral homes, making St. Michael’s presence known, letting the bereaved know that we at St. Michael Parish do care and that the bereaved has our support and prayer. The ministry conducts the casket closing service at the funeral parlor before the body is transferred to the church. When death occurs outside of parish boundaries contact is made with the bereaved local relative.
Sometime later, when the activity that the funeral creates has ceased, and the friends and relatives have gone, and the bereaved may be alone, the ministry sends a note and booklet. A member of the ministry maintains contact with the focal family member of the deceased for one year. An annual Mass and breakfast are held the last Saturday in January at 8:00 AM in the main church for those who have experienced the death of a loved one. Come and heal together: everyone is welcome.
St. Michael Parish also has materials available on grief and healing. A rack is located in the hallway outside the Parish Office containing pamphlets free for anyone to take. There is also a section of books available in the Parish library. Please feel free to speak with a secretary in the office about checking out a book.
For further information call Mel Householder at 419-423-9357.
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