
BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY
What is the role of a Bereavement Ministry?
A Catholic funeral follows a conventional and religious format that respects the Catholic faith and traditions. The Bereavement Ministry of St. Paul of the Cross extends a loving hand at a time of loss of a loved one to:
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Offer the sympathy and prayers of the Parish
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Help prepare a meaningful and personal Liturgy
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Attend the funeral mass
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Provide information of St. Paul of the Cross’ Spring and Fall weekly grief support group sessions
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:
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Collaborates and consults with loved ones to prepare and plan the specifics of the funeral liturgy
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Participates in the celebration of the funeral liturgy
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Serves as liaison between the music director and the presiding priest
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Organizes and participates in an All Souls Mass on November 2 of each year in remembrance of the deceased
Funeral Planning Mass Guidelines
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Readings: Three readings are chosen from the Bible; one from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament, and one from the Gospel.
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Prayers of the Faithful: Three-to-six petitions are read. The bereavement minister has samples or the family may write their own.
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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.
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One speaker may deliver a three to five - minute eulogy before Mass begins.
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Two family members may bring up the gifts.
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Music: Hymns will be played at the entrance, the responsorial psalm, the presentation of gifts, communion, final commendation and recession.
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No recorded or secular music during Mass is allowed.
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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.