When a death occurs, life, for those who live on, changes forever. The Church recognizes this change and offers hope and comfort to those who grieve the loss of a loved one. As Jesus comforted Mary and Martha, the parish community can reach out to comfort those who mourn.

The bereavement ministry prays for the dead and comforts those who mourn, two of the Spiritual Works of Mercy.

St. John XXIII has a number of parishioners and staff who are trained as bereavement ministers. Their role is to:

• Pray for the members of the parish community who have died and for their families.
• Visit the family and friends of the deceased at the wake to offer support and prayer on behalf of their parish community.
• Meet with bereaved families to offer support and guidance as they plan their funeral liturgy.
• Conduct the wake service if needed or requested by the bereaved family.
• Serve as a greeter, lector or Eucharistic Minister at the funeral liturgy if needed or requested by the family.
• Attend occasional prayer sessions and on-going formation to support the ministry

If you are interested in serving in this ministry at St. John XXIII, please contact ​Dianne Fox, Director of Liturgy, at [email protected] or 847.864.0333 (press 4, then x210).