Life is but a stopping place,
A pause in what's to be,
A resting place along the road,
to sweet eternity.
We all have different journeys,
Different paths along the way,
We all were meant to learn some things,
but never meant to stay...
Our destination is a place,
Far greater than we know.
For some the journey's quicker,
For some the journey's slow.
And when the journey finally ends,
We'll claim a great reward,
And find an everlasting peace,
Together with the lord.

Author unknown

Interested in Being Part of the Bereavement Ministry?

Email Kaylynn Niggle, Liturgy Coordinator with your contact information and interest. Or, leave a message for her at the Parish Office at 645 1714.

You may also review and download the following Forms:

Volunteer Application Form
(mandatory for all volunteers)

Bereavement is a Four-Pronged Ministry of Love:
    Liturgy, Lazarus, Hospitality, and GriefShare®

Mission Statement

As followers of Jesus, the Bereavement Ministry of St. Anne Parish takes to heart the eight Beatitudes, especially, the second - “Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Mt 5:4) by becoming Christ to those who weep in helping them experience the joy of the Resurrection.

The Funeral Mass is the last and most important action performed for parishioners as they leave the community of St. Anne Parish for their eternal resting place. The Pastor does all he can to make it a moving and very personal farewell. It is a privilege to be a part of the family's mourners as the Bereavement Ministry bids farewell and prays for the deceased. It is an honor to participate, and the ministers are often touched with the poignancy and grace of it all.

Upon the event of a death, the Pastor will meet with the family and ask them if they have any special requests. They may choose the readings; they might want to incorporate something like flowers or bring up the gifts. They may even choose the Eucharistic Ministers themselves. Sometimes the children or grandchildren might choose to say a eulogy. When the family has no special requests, a member of the ministry team will schedule for the family, the Lector and/or Eucharistic Ministers, etc. from members of the ministry.

Liturgy

The Liturgy team consists of Lectors at Funeral Masses and assists the sacristan with altar set-up.

Lazarus

The Lazarus Committee makes sure no Funeral Mass is unattended and without participation. All are encouraged and welcome to participate as a Lazarus member.
*Important Note: One must be available on short notice to attend a funeral. Funerals may take place at 10 a.m., or even at 2:00 p.m. A Lazarus member will be there to pray at the funeral.

Hospitality

Hospitality Stewards assist bereaved families who want a reception set up in the church hall or gazebo so they can show their gratitude to those who attended the service. They prepare and serve the food after the funeral, as well as clean up after the reception.

GriefShare®

GriefShare® supporters pick up when family and friends return to their own lives and the bereaved is left to deal with the day to day emotions of the loss of their loved one. This is when GriefShare becomes most helpful. It is a 13-week Christian-based professionally produced support group program. At each session a video is shown featuring personal stories of people who grieve the recent death of a loved one. During the small group discussion time, there is the opportunity to interact with others who have experienced a recent loss, learn about their experiences and share your own. One need not be Catholic to attend.
To register to participate in the GriefShare® program, please call the parish office at 645-1714.
Visit our GriefShare® Parish Page