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Bereavement groups, grief support available
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October 27, 2019Many parishes in the Archdiocese of New Orleans offer bereavement groups or grief support ministries after the death of a loved one:
All Saints, New Orleans
The bereavement team assists the family in preparing for the Funeral Mass by helping them choose the readings. Members also can assist in preparing the program. They attend the funeral and offer hospitality to those who come. They do followup calls or visits after the funeral. Contact Barbara Robinson at 361-8835.
Archdiocese of New Orleans Retreat Center, Metairie
Bereavement Support Group meets every third Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. 5500 St. Mary St., Metairie. Contact Dr. Susan Cooley at 636-6829.
Ascension of Our Lord, LaPlace
The Bereavement Ministry Team coordinates support for parishioners experiencing grief following a death or important loss. Members offer assistance in planning readings and music, are present during the wake and Funeral Mass, prepare the church for Mass, request food donations for family receptions. They also meet with family members to identify areas of support needed after the funeral, send cards, care notes and monthly messages of comfort and healing to grieving family members. A Christmas Mass of Remembrance for all deceased will be held Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. Members meet monthly. Contact Susie Lanza at 650-0496 or the parish office at (985) 652-2615.
Blessed Seelos, New Orleans
Open Arms Caring Ministry offers prayerful support for anyone coping with grief. By appointment. All matters discussed are kept strictly confidential. Contact the parish office at 943-5566 and leave a message for Sandy Sanchez, O.P.
Center of Jesus the Lord at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, New Orleans
Stewards of Mercy ministry is a network of church community members who provide 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 529-1636.
Corpus Christi-Epiphany, New Orleans
The Bereavement Ministry assists celebrants and the family in preparation of 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 Joycelyn Clementin via email at rinastj@hotmail.com or by phone at 655-1059.
Grieving with Great Hope
(GWGH), sponsored by the East St. Tammany Deanery parishes, is a new, five-week Catholic bereavement workshop using a video on-demand format. It offers a prayerful, practical and personal approach for anyone mourning the loss of a loved one. If you have lost a spouse, a child (including pregnancy loss), a grandchild, a parent, another family member or a friend, you are encouraged to attend. Presenters will include two priests, as well as John and Sandy O’Shaughnessy from Good Mourning Ministry, a Catholic bereavement organization. The first GWGH workshop will be Jan. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Margaret Mary’s Evangelization Building, 1050B Robert Blvd., Slidell. Contact Deacon Warren Berault, warrenberault@yahoo.com or Diane St. Germain, dstgermain@me.com for registration information.
Holy Family, Franklinton
A member of the bereavement ministry visits 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 offers two bereavement groups in a confidential setting. One, in support of families for the loss of a loved one, meets on Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. during the fall and spring. A separate support group for parents who have lost a child meets on the second Tuesday at 7 p.m. Both groups are facilitated by Teresian Sister Marina Aranzabal, srmarina@maryqueenofpeace.org or by phone at (985) 630-7130. Sister Marina is also available for individual consulation.
Most Holy Trinity, Covington
Ministry assists families with preparation of funeral services and is present to them to give comfort, greet attendees and assist the celebrant and church ministers with the Mass or service. Members can provide food for the family or help with visitation at the church. Families of the deceased are invited to attend a Memorial Mass on Nov. 2 at 4 p.m. Contact Terri Derbes 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, 610-7159.
Our Lady of Lourdes, Slidell
The OLL Grief Ministry meets on the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Life Center. Contact Deacon Warren Berault at warrenberault@yahoo.com or Diane St. Germain at 701- 5789, dstgermain@me.com.
Sacred Heart, Lacombe
“Sharing The Journey,” Widow and Widowers Grief Support Group makes avail- able support and comfort to those experiencing the loss of a spouse, in a confidential and prayerful setting. The various stages of grief are shared with others on the same journey of loss. The layers of the new role of experiencing widowhood/widowerhood are also discussed and shared with spiritual support. Facilitator, Beverly Domingue, is a certified faith companion. Meetings are monthly on the second Wednesday from 1-3 p.m. in the church narthex. Contact the church office at (985) 882-5229.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, Norco
Angels of Mercy Bereavement Group consists of parishioners who reach out to family members of the deceased. Along with spiritual support, the group provides food and drinks. Contact Dianne Mayeux at 416-7073 or dianne@mayeuxac.com.
St. Angela Merici, Metairie
Bridge to NAIM is a support group for the recently widowed. A professional leads each meeting at 10:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday of the month in the conference room. There is no charge or obligation. For more information contact, Jo at 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 program is designed to aid those who have lost their spouse deal with their grief and also to manage the many changes happening in their lives due their loss. The 10-week program is offered twice per year, typically beginning in June and December, with meetings on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. in the conference room. For more information please contact Mike Caruso at mcaruso11@cox.net.
The Funeral Ministry consists of parishioners who aid and assist families in planning their loved one’s funerals. These parishioners meet with the families of the deceased and help them select readings and songs for the Funeral Mass. We offer our support, love and compassion in their time of need. Contact Donna McNamara at dnnmcnamara38@gmail.com.
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 455-7071, ext. 222.
St. Anthony of Padua, New Orleans
Open Arms Caring Ministry offers support for anyone who is coping with grief of any kind. Support is offered by appointment through faith and prayer. All matters discussed are kept strictly confidential. Call the parish office at 488-2651 and leave a message for Sandy Sanchez, O.P.
St. Augustine Church, New Orleans
The Bereavement Committee is overseen by Oblate Father Emmanuel Mulenga, pastor. Members include Audrey Amos and June Dumas. The Bereavement Committee assists the members who may be dealing with severe illness or imminent death, and they assist the family in the case of the member passing by helping plan the Funeral Mass. The committee will help in planning the liturgy, if needed. When possible, they attend the funeral and offer hospitality to those who come. They follow up with the family after the funeral. Contact the office 525-5934.
St. Benilde, Metairie
The Bereavement Committee assists parishioners upon the death of their loved ones by expressing condolences and offering to prepare a meal following the funeral. It also prepares food to help the family during their time of loss.
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. In addition to prayer and Scripture readings, the program will make use of activities such as small group discussion, journaling, and other selected readings to help participants move toward healing. The program is offered in the spring and the fall each year. For more information about dates and times for the meetings, contact Patricia Lawson (Grief Support) at paglawson@gmail.com or Becky Steppe (Bereavement Ministry) at rks45@cox.net.
St. Charles Borromeo, Destrehan
The Next Chapter, a support group, was formed to offer moral and spiritual assistance to anyone who has suffered any type of loss. It meets at 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month in the St. Mark Room, 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. 5 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 meets on second Thursday of the month in the Parish Center. This ministry offers compassion and caring for those who have lost a loved one. For more information, call Dianne Vasquez, 835-0540 or the rectory, 837-8214.
St. David, New Orleans
The Bereavement Ministry offers assistance to members of deceased’s family with spiritual assistance before and after the funeral. Assists the pastor and the family in planning the liturgy. Meets once a month. Annual memorial Mass for families who have lost loved ones during the past year is celebrated annually by Josephite Father Oswald Pierre-Jules, pastor. Contact Frankie Gardner at 943-8760.
St. Dominic, New Orleans
Open Arms Caring Ministry offers support for anyone who is coping with grief of any kind through faith and prayer. By appointment. All matters discussed are kept strictly confidential. Contact the parish office at 482-4156 and leave a message for Sandy Sanchez, O.P.
St. Francis Xavier, Metairie
The Bereavement Ministry has a grief support group which meets twice monthly one during the daytime and the other in the evening. The group is facilitated by a thanatologist. The ministry is hosting a butterfly release and social event in October. Contact Paige Rahn for additional information at 491-4506.
St. Gabriel the Archangel, New Orleans
The Bereavement Ministry provides comfort and support to bereaved parish families. A team meets with the family to offer sympathy and support, 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 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 their time and service 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 the 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 will be made available to families free of charge if they wish to bring and serve a meal. Depending on burial arrangements, the meal may be either after the Mass or after the burial. Cleanup is family’s responsibility. Contact the parish office (985) 892-1439 to make arrangements. Chairperson is Jo Kieffer.
St. Joachim, Marrero
Parish 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 sponsored by volunteer members. Sympathy cards and Mass intentions are sent to the family. The rosary is offered at the funeral by Daughters of St. Joachim. Contact Mary Plaisance at 258-6300 or mbplaisance@yahoo.com; or Cathy Este at 347-6369.
St. Joan of Arc, LaPlace
The Bereavement Friends express compassion of the church community to the bereaved family by helping with arrangements, providing food, reciting rosaries and notifying friends. Members assist with the annual All Souls’ Day Mass and reception on Nov. 2 at 4:30 p.m. for parish families who have lost a loved one in the past year. Contact Frankie Tarullo at (985) 652-2334 or ftarullo@yahoo.com.
The parish has a “Bridge to NAIM” group for the newly widowed. Meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. Contact Pat Menard at 415-1032.
St. John the Baptist, Paradis
The Bereavement Ministry offers prayerful support to parishioners or anyone coping with grief of any kind. Assists the bereaved at their time of loss. 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 keeps in touch 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
St. Luke’s Bereavement Ministry reaches out to parishioners who have lost a loved one and coordinates with the family to arrange any gathering after the funeral. It also sends cards to the family after the funeral and coordinates the Mass of Remembrance on All Souls’ Day, Nov. 2. Contact Deacon Harold Burke for more information at (985) 641-6429.
St. Mary of the Angels, New Orleans
The Bereavement Committee is headed by Geraldine Aguillard, who is available to discuss the death of a loved one and fulfill the needs of everyone at the funeral Mass. Also at the Funeral Mass, the Evangelization Ministry under Vaughn Valeary presents the bereaved family with an SMA spiritual bag, which includes a Bible, memorial card, list of church services and a pen. Contact Franciscan Father Joseph Hund, pastor, at 945-3186.
St. Peter, Reserve
The Bereavement Committee reaches out to a family member of recently deceased parishioners offering sympathy and support. Along with spiritual support, this group can help families in preparing for the funeral and is available to receive donated food and beverages on the day of the funeral. 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 at 10 a.m. and blessing of the cemetery. Anyone wishing to help with this ministry can contact the parish office at (985) 536-2887.
St. Raymond and 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.