Many parishes offer bereavement, grief support

    Parishes that offer bereavement groups or support ministries after death:
    ➤ Holy Family, Luling, Bereavement Committee, coordinated by Bonnie Cary, (985) 785-0823; Cathy De­Roche, (985) 785-6890; and Madalyn Foret (985) 785-1812.  155 Holy Family Lane, Luling.
    ➤ Mary Queen of Peace, Mandeville, coordinator of Bereavement Ministry is Teresian Sister Marina Aranzabal, (985) 626-6977, [email protected]. Sister Marina facilitates an eight-week bereavement support group that meets in the fall and spring on Friday mornings from 9:45-11 a.m. This group uses “The New Day Journal” as a basis for discussion. A Memorial Mass on the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed is held Nov. 2 for families who have lost relatives during this past year. A family member will light a candle in memory of their loved one and place it near the Baptismal font. A NAIM chapter also meets here every third Wednesday of the month for lunch and a short business meeting led by Marsha Davis and Alice Childress. And, individual grief counseling is available. 1501 West Causeway Approach, Mandeville.
    ➤ Most Holy Trinity, Bereavement Committee handles funerals that take place at the Covington church, 4465 Hwy. 190 East Service Road. (985) 892-0642, office. rayferro@mostholytrinity ano.org.
    ➤ St. Christopher the Martyr: Bereavement ministries handled by Janet Trahan, 837-3861 or Dianne Vasquez, 835-0540. Vasquez leads a bereavement ministry support group every second Thursday of the month at 6:15 p.m. in the parish center, 309 Manson Ave., Metairie.
    ➤ St. Francis Xavier, “Comfort Ministry” sends a Mass card to families who have lost a loved one. Msgr. Andrew Taormina, pastor, presides over the group. Contact Lillian McCarthy, 836-0090. 444 Metairie Road, Metairie.
    ➤ St. Gabriel the Archangel, Bereavement Ministry, gives support to bereaved families by helping plan the funeral and assisting at the funeral Mass. Lucille Conley, 286-3744. 4700 Pineda St., New Orleans.
    ➤ St. Hubert, Bereavement Society, Therese Ocmand. (985) 535-2686. 176 Anthony Monica St., Garyville.
    ➤ St. Jane de Chantal, Hospitality Bereavement Ministry, [email protected]. Abita Springs, (985) 892-1439.
    ➤ St. Joan of Arc, LaPlace, Bereavement Friends group expresses compassion to the bereaved family by helping with funeral arrangements, providing food, rosaries, notifying friends, etc. The Bereavement Friends also assist with the annual All Souls Day Mass and reception Nov. 2 for all parish families who have lost a loved one in the past year. Frankie Tarulla, (985) 652-2334, [email protected]. 529 West 5th St., LaPlace.
    ➤ St. Margaret Mary,  Bereavement Ministry sends sympathy cards and offers help if needed. Ministry leader: Joan Severs, (985) 641-1829, Sl[email protected]; 1050 Robert Blvd., Slidell. (985) 643-6124.
    ➤ St. Patrick, Port Sulphur, Family Life Center, 28698 Highway 23 Port Sulphur. Helen Saucier and Lillian Hebert, 564-6792, lead this ministry.