Hosted by the Office of Faith Formation and the Office of Catholic Cemeteries, the Bereavement Conference is designed for anyone who has experienced loss and for those who minister to the bereaved. A keynote speaker and multiple workshops are offered in specific loss, traumatic loss, spirituality and support and workshops for facilitators. Download a listing of workshops or register online and Save $.
Ministry to the Bereaved
“…Blessed are they who mourn for they shall be comforted”(MT5:4)
Bereavement Conference 2011 photos
Jesus’ words from the Sermon on the Mount teach us that all who are mourning the loss of a loved one need the support of our Christian community. Bereavement Ministry assists individuals and families as they experience the Paschal Mystery in their lives through the death of a family member. The Department of Family Ministry provides ongoing support and service to individuals and parishes through the following:
Referral List for Bereavement Counseling. A list of professional therapists and counselors is maintained to provide referrals that would benefit individuals and families. please contact Kathleen Logan for more information.
Bereavement Facilitator Training. The Department of Family Ministry offers training for parish volunteers and staff members in the areas of Bereavement and Ministry of Consolation.
Ongoing Support & Mentoring Groups. Ongoing opportunities are provided for bereavement facilitators to gather together for prayer, enrichment and ongoing training and formation. Please check our homepage for updates on training and enrichment. Here for support and mentoring groups.
Bereavement Conference. An annual conference is hosted by the Office of Faith Formation and the Office of Catholic Cemeteries. It is a day designed for all individuals who have experienced loss and those who minister and work with the bereaved. A keynote speaker and multiple workshops are offered in the area of specific loss, traumatic loss, spirituality and support and workshops for facilitators. Please check back often for details about this year’s conference.
Online list of support groups. All parish programs, hospital and hospice support groups, widow and widowers groups that are submitted to the Department of Family as well as diocesan programs are listed here.
Speaker List. A resource list of speakers for parishes and schools is updated and maintained. Please contact Kathleen Logan.
Many parishes offer the following support for the bereaved. Please call your parish or check our website for further details.
Ministry of Consolation. Support at the time of the death of a loved one by helping to plan the funeral liturgy and offering outreach at the funeral.
Bereavement Support Groups. Provides support where individuals can gather and discuss their loss. Hospitals and hospices are also an excellent source of support groups.
Bereavement Masses are held at various times throughout the year for bereaved families. Many parishes offer a special Mass of Remembrance on All Souls Day.
For more information regarding Family Ministry programs please contact Kathleen Logan, Associate Director of Family Ministry: klogan@drvc.org or call 516 678-5800 Ext. 236.
