Bereavement Ministry

Contact:  Paula Clarke | (805) 798-2966 | [email protected]

The Mission of this Bereavement Ministry is to carry the Spirit of Christ’s compassion to members of Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish Community who are in mourning.

What Is Bereavement Ministry?

Bereavement Ministry is an outreach ministry to support members of our parish who are mourning the death of a loved one.  The ministry provides personal contact during the time of grieving. As part of Bereavement Ministry’s outreach, a reception is offered to the family after a funeral Mass or memorial Mass.  A light lunch consisting of croissant sandwiches, salads and desserts is served.  This ministry is financially dependent on donations.  A $3.00 per person donation is requested.  The mission of the Bereavement Ministry is to strive to emotionally support the families of those whose funeral Masses are celebrated in our church.  Bereavement Ministry sponsored receptions are reserved for the members of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish.

What Do Bereavement Ministers Do?

Bereavement Ministers strive to demonstrate the love and concern of our parish community in a number of ways:

  • Monthly meetings with prayers for the deceased
  • Masses offered for the deceased
  • Remembrance cards to the family
  • All Souls Day Mass of Remembrance
  • Funeral receptions
  • Prayer Shawl Ministry

Bereavement ministry tries to be the compassionate heart and hands of our Lord Jesus. No one can really feel or remove another’s pain, but everyone can walk beside and support another who is sorrowful. Those involved in our Bereavement Ministry find that in supporting others, our own faith is nourished and deepened.  We ask you to prayerfully consider this wonderful ministry. Many of our needs do not require special training.  For those wishing to become more involved in this ministry the Archdiocese offers Bereavement Training classes.