Parishes offer funeral preparation help, grief support

Many parishes in the Archdiocese of New Orleans offer bereavement groups or grief support ministries to help individuals after the death of a loved one:

• All Saints, New Orleans

The Bereavement Ministry assists the family upon hearing of its loss, helps prepare readings, program and music for the Funeral Mass and provides hospitality throughout the service. Followup calls are made to families after the funeral. Contact Barbara Lombard at (504) 361-8835.

• Ascension of Our Lord, LaPlace

The Bereavement Ministry Team coordinates support for parishioners experiencing grief following a death. Members offer assistance in planning readings and music, are present during the wake and Funeral Mass, prepare the church and request food donations for family receptions. They also meet with family members to identify areas of support needed after the funeral, send care notes and monthly messages of comfort and healing. Members meet monthly. Contact Susie Lanza at (504) 650-0496 or the parish office at (985) 652-2615.

• Center of Jesus the Lord at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, New Orleans

Stewards of Mercy ministry provides a mercy meal for family and friends after the Funeral Mass. Also, in an emergency such as illness in the family, members will provide meals or personal care for family members. Call (504) 529-1636.

• Corpus Christi-Epiphany, New Orleans

The Bereavement Ministry assists in preparing the Funeral Mass and gives comfort and support for the bereaved family. A Mass and remembrance exhibit of all parishioners who have died during the year is offered each year. Contact Patricia Lee at [email protected] or (504) 284-7754.

• Holy Family, Franklinton

The pastor meets with the family to assist in planning the Funeral Mass. If visitation is held in the church, coffee and light refreshments are provided. Ministry members also can provide a full meal for the family and their guests in the parish hall after the funeral. Contact the parish office at (985) 839-4040.

• Mary Queen of Peace, Mandeville

The parish bereavement group meets in a confidential setting and supports families following the loss of a loved one. It  meets on Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. during the fall and spring and is facilitated by Jodi Awbrey, [email protected] or (985) 626-6977. She also offers one-on-one grief counseling. The annual Memorial Mass for parish families who have lost a loved one during the last year will be Nov. 2 at 7 p.m.

• Most Holy Trinity, Covington

The ministry assists families with preparation of funeral services and is present to offer comfort, greet attendees and assist with the Mass or service. Members can provide food for the family or help with visitation. Families of the deceased are invited to attend a Memorial Mass Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. Contact Kathy Decareaux at (985) 892-0642.

 

• Our Lady of Divine Providence, Metairie

Boundless Spirit ministry meets on the third Thursday of the month at 2 p.m. in the St. Lawrence Room, located in the parish’s Cuccia Center next to the church office at 1000 North Starrett Road. This support group provides assistance for any individual dealing with the loss of a loved one. Group discussion and guest speakers about the grief process. Open to anyone experiencing loss and seeking like souls with whom to share. For more information, (504) 466-4511.

• Our Lady of Lourdes, Slidell

The parish hopes to resume its regular Grief Ministry in the near future. Anyone who is in need of help or who is interested in serving in the ministry may contact the parish office at (985) 643-4137.

• Sacred Heart, Lacombe

Sharing the Journey, a grief support group for widows and widowers, offers support and comfort in a confidential and prayerful setting to those experiencing the loss of a spouse. The various stages of grief are shared with others on the same journey of loss. The new roles of experiencing widowhood/widowerhood are also discussed and shared with spiritual support. The facilitator is Beverly Domingue, a certified faith companion. Meetings are on the second Wednesday from 1-3 p.m. in the church. Contact the church office at (985) 882-5229.

• Sacred Heart of Jesus, Norco

Angels of Mercy Bereavement Group consists of 22 parishioners who reach out to family members of the deceased. Along with spiritual support, the group provides food and drinks. Contact Dianne Mayeux at (504) 416-7073 or [email protected].

• St. Angela Merici, Metairie

Bridge to Naim is a support group for the recently widowed. Meetings are led by a professional at 10:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday of the month in the board room. There is no charge. For information, contact Jo at (504) 833-9470.

Coping with Life Alone is a ministry to help men and women who have lost their spouse either through death, divorce or separation. The 10-week program is offered twice a year, typically beginning in June and November/December, with meetings on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the St. Angela Merici House, 824 Melody Drive. Contact Mike Caruso at [email protected].

The Funeral Ministry consists of parishioners who assist families plan their loved one’s Funeral Mass. One training session is required to serve. Contact Donna McNamara at [email protected].

• St. Ann Church and Shrine, Metairie

   The Bereavement Committee provides food and drink to the family of the deceased upon request. Contact the parish office at (504) 455-7071, ext. 222.

™ St. Augustine, New Orleans

The Bereavement Committee is overseen by Oblate Father Emmanuel Mulenga, pastor. Members include Audrey Amos, June Dumas and Linda Harris. Call the rectory at (504) 525-5934.

• St. Benilde, Metairie

The Meal Ministry provides meals to parishioners after family losses/tragedies, surgeries, illnesses and new births. Contact the parish office at (504) 834-4980.

• St. Catherine of Siena, Metairie

The Grief Support Program is part of the SCS Bereavement Ministry and is a 10-week series designed to assist participants through the journey of grieving the loss of a loved one. Using “The New Day Journal” by Mauryeen O'Brien, participants will be guided through the four stages of grief. There is small group discussion, journaling and other selected readings. The program is offered in the spring and the fall each year. For details about dates and meeting times, contact: Patricia Lawson (Grief Support) or Becky Steppe (Bereavement Ministry). Becky’s number is (504) 289-6636.

•  St. Charles Borromeo, Destrehan

The Next Chapter, a support group, offers moral and spiritual assistance to anyone suffering any type of loss. It meets once a month, with roundtable discussions and occasional guest speakers. The office staff assists family members in selecting readings and music. An annual memorial Mass will be celebrated Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. for those who have lost a loved one during the past year. Contact the parish office at (985) 764-6383.

• St. Christopher the Martyr, Metairie

The Bereavement and Support Group Ministry offers compassion and caring for those who have lost a loved one. For more information, call Dianne Vasquez, (504) 835-0540 or the rectory, (504) 837-8214.

• St. David, News Orleans

The Bereavement Ministry offers assistance to members of the deceased’s family with spiritual assistance before and after the funeral. Assists the pastor and the family in planning the liturgy. Meets monthly. Annual memorial Mass for families is celebrated by Josephite Father Oswald Pierre-Jules, pastor. Contact Frankie Gardner at (504) 943-8760.

• St. Dominic, New Orleans

Open Arms Caring Ministry offers support through faith and prayer for anyone coping with grief of any kind. By appointment. All matters discussed are kept strictly confidential. Contact Sandy Sanchez at (205) 601-9245.

• St. Francis Xavier, Metairie

The parish has two bereavement support groups that offer prayer and support for individuals who are grieving the death of a loved one. The groups are facilitated by a trained volunteer. There is one major event each year for the bereaved involving prayer and an opportunity to socialize. Call the parish office at (504) 834-0340.

• St. Gabriel the Archangel, New Orleans

The Bereavement Ministry provides comfort and support to parish families, assists them in planning the funeral and in making arrangements for music and repast. The team prepares the church for the funeral. Contact the parish office at (504) 282-0296.

• St. Hubert, Garyville

The parish offers parishioners the parish hall, free of charge, for a family gathering after a funeral Mass. Call (985) 535-3312 to reserve. The Ladies Altar Society has three bereavement groups that rotate by receiving donated food and beverages on the morning of the funeral. The church supplies paper plates, napkins, dinnerware and cups, while the family provides food, ice, drinks and cleanup. Goodwill offerings are accepted for use of the hall.

• St. Jane de Chantal, Abita Springs

The Bereavement Ministry offers compassion and support to families and friends of the deceased. The group offers Masses for the family and their loved one, provides coffee and light refreshments during visitation until the Mass begins. St. Jane Hall is available to families free of charge if they wish to bring and serve a meal either after the Mass or after the burial. Contact the parish office at (985) 892-1439 or Jo Kieffer, chairwoman, at (985) 630-8508.

• St. Joachim, Marrero

The Bereavement Ministry strives to be a source of love, care and support to those who grieve the loss of a loved one. The ministry offers a prepared meal. Sympathy cards and Mass intentions are sent to the family. Contact Gina Fitch, (504) 348-8580, [email protected].

• St. Joan of Arc, LaPlace

Bereavement Friends helps bereaved family with arrangements, providing food, rosaries and notifying friends. Members assist with the annual All Souls’ Day Mass and reception on Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. for parish families who have lost a loved one in the past year. Contact Frankie Tarullo at (985) 652-2334 or [email protected].

The parish also has a Bridge to NAIM group for the newly widowed. Meetings are the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. Contact Pat Menard at (504) 415-1032.

• St. John the Baptist, Paradis

The Bereavement Ministry offers prayerful support to parishioners and others coping with grief of any kind. Contact Debra Frickey (985) 817-1244 or Janice Dufrene (985) 758-7845.

• St. Joseph the Worker, Marrero

The Good Shepherd Ministry ministers to families who have lost a loved one by helping the family plan the funeral, reciting the rosary at the visitation or before the funeral liturgy and participating in the funeral Mass.

The Bereavement Ministry maintains contact with the family by offering grief counseling and a Memorial Mass. Deceased members are remembered in the All Saints’ Day Mass followed by a “Healing Brunch.” The pastor is available for spiritual guidance.

• St. Luke the Evangelist, Slidell

The Bereavement Ministry reaches out to parishioners who have lost a loved one and coordinates with the family to arrange any gathering after the funeral. A Mass of Remembrance is offered Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. for families who have lost a member in the past year. For information, call parishioner liaison Kay Guard at (985) 641-6429 ext. 207.

• St. Margaret Mary, Slidell

HALOS (Healing After Loss to Overdose or Suicide) group meets the second Monday of every month at 7 p.m. in the Evangelization Building. For more information, contact Donna at (985) 201-2143 or Ester at (504) 621-7864.

• St. Mary of the Angels, New Orleans

The Bereavement Committee, headed by Deirdre Landry, is available to discuss arrangements for the Funeral Mass. The Evangelization Ministry, headed by Vaughn Valeary, presents the bereaved family with a Bible, memorial card, list of church services and a pen. Call Franciscan Father Joseph Hund, pastor, at (504) 945-3186.

• St. Peter, Reserve

The Bereavement Committee offers sympathy and spiritual support to family members of deceased parishioners. Sympathy cards are sent to the family. Families of those who have lost loved ones during the past year are invited to the annual All Saints’ Day Mass and blessing of the cemetery. Anyone interested in helping with this ministry can contact Peggy Bienvenu at (504) 487-8769 or [email protected].

• St. Raymond-St. Leo the Great, New Orleans

The Bereavement Ministry is composed of lectors, extraordinary ministers of holy Communion, ushers and Health Ministry members. The group will visit the family of the deceased, upon request, to help them cope with their loss and assist in planning the Mass, including special tributes, readings, music and rosary. The group also will send a card to the family after the funeral. An annual Memorial Mass is celebrated for families who have lost a loved one during the year.