Bereavement Ministry
The noble Judas...took up a collection among all his soldiers...which he sent to Jerusalmen to provide for an expiatory sacrifice. In doing this he acted in a very excellent and noble way, inasmuch as he had the resurrectio of the dead in view; for if he were not expecting the fallen to rise again, it would have been useless and foolish to pray for them in death. But if he did this with a view to the splendid reward that awaits those who had gone to rest in godliness, it was a holy and pious thought. 2 Maccabees 12:43-45
MISSION
To be available to those who mourn so that no one, even the little ones, would have to be alone.
SCOPE OF SERVICE
Bereavement Ministry at Sts. Joachim and Ann Parish is an effort on the part of members of the faithful to offer both personal and spiritual support to those who have recently experienced the loss of a loved one through supportive presence at the Liturgies of Christian Burial, through personal availability, and through periodic meetings for support, guidance, and mutual reflection. Objectives are:
- to understand the emotional and physical dynamics of grief;
- to decrease a sense of isolation and increase a sense of normalcy through contact with others in similar situations;
- to share personal experiences within a safe, caring and understanding environment;
- and to develop healthy coping skills and activities.
UPCOMING EVENTS
COMMEMORATION OF ALL SOULS
2 November 2008
at all Celebrations of Eucharist
on the Eve of Sunday and on Sunday morning.
Please join us in praying for our loved ones who have been called home to God
including a Litany of the Deceased during the General Intercessions
for those buried from our Church during the past year.
JACOB'S LADDER
All are welcome and invited to bring a framed photograph of your deceased loved one
to be displayed in the devotional space of the Church
as a reminder for intercessory prayer throughout the month of November.
BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY SESSIONS
9 November 2008 through 21 December 2008
Sundays -- 1:30 to 3:00pm
Church Meeting Room
(adjacent to the Church's Gathering Space inside the main entrance)
Week I: What to Expect
Week II: Nothing is Permanent Except Change
Week III: Invincible Sundays
Week IV: My Shepherd is the Lord
Week V: We Will Remember
Week VI: Grief through the Holidays
Contacts: Pat Bennett (636.244.1366)
Jeanne Potts (636.939.3428)