Bereavement Ministry

Bereavement Ministry

At some time in our lives, we all have to face the shock and sadness of the loss of a loved one.  The Parish Ministry to the Bereaved seeks to provide support and a hand of friendship, helping people come to terms with their loss.

In the immediate aftermath of a death, the Parish can assist with the preparation and planning of the individual’s funeral.

After the funeral and the first few weeks, the isolation and loneliness of the bereaved can become very intense. For many bereaved people the need to talk is considerable. Telling the story often helps the grieving and the healing processes.

It is valuable it is just to sit and listen to allow the bereaved to talk about their grief and weep if necessary.  The balm of a listening and a sympathetic ear can help heal the wound of mourning.  The Parish Bereavement Ministry is not a counselling service, but rather a befriending one in a sensitive and empathetic way. The role of the Bereavement Minister is to listen and to walk sympathetically shoulder to shoulder with those who are grieving accompanying them on their journey.

During November each year, the traditional month of Remembrance, the Parish holds a special Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance for the loved ones of parishioners who have died. The service allows those who mourn the opportunity to remember and give thanks for the lives of the family and friends they have lost, and to come together with others who are also experiencing the pain of grief. The service comprises hymns and readings and there is also time for private prayer and reflection. Those attending are invited to suggest favourite readings, poems or pieces of music for the service and we do our best to incorporate them.

Nobody really wants to think about their own demise, but when we do, we think about our loved ones and what we would like to leave them. But we do not want them worrying about our funeral arrangements. It is possible for funeral services and arrangements to be planned in advance and the Parish can assist with arrangements for the funeral including the prayers, readings and music.

If you feel that we can help, please contact either:

Father Behruz Rafat                           Janet Brierley
Parish Priest                                           Bereavement Minister
Tel: 01580 762785                                  Tel: 01580 762526