Our parish is in the process of forming a Ministry to the Bereaved, that is, a ministry, in line with our parish Mission Statement,  “to give witness to the Gospel, to serve those in need.”
Our next meeting is on Tuesday, September 14th, at 11 AM in the rectory.

Please contact Fr. Andy at 908.464.1585 or Frandy@lfbhnj.org.

 Bereavement Ministry Support Group

On Sunday, September 26, 2010 from 7:00 PM until 8:30 PM, we will begin an eight week Bereavement Support Program (excluding October 31 - Halloween).

A second program will be held for eight weeks beginning on Sunday, February 27, 2011 from 7:00 PM until 8:30 PM. 

Both programs will be held in Room 2H.

Social Workers Jeanne Marie Mirabella and Liz Migneco will be offering these two 8-week support groups.

Need more information: contact Fr. Andy at the rectory or frandy@lfbhnj.org.

 BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY MINUTES - AUGUST 3, 2010

       1.      Development of a Mission Statement for the Ministry 

To serve individuals, families and the parish who grieve the death of a loved one in and through a ministry of presence, education and empowerment.
(Use the graphic of rose for the ministry? Roses and St. Therese go hand in hand.)

2.      Imperative to develop the following:

Prior to death: Work with Eucharistic Ministers in assessing the needs of the sick, especially if approaching death, and their families; Distribution of Archdiocesan Book: “Continuing the Journey” for purpose of education; Eldercare Lawyer to speak to parish
Education of individuals/parish: e.g. living wills, etc.

At the time of death:
-  clergy contacts family for immediate visitation
-  Creation/distribution of gift bags: St. Therese holy card; brochure on support groups; CareNotes; booklet on grieving (Barton-Cotton); Song: “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe; Business card with contact information of the minister delivering the bag/practical services offered by parish – to be determined along with Good Samaritans;
-  Begin the sending of the Bereavement cards from Barton-Cotton (at time of death, 3 mos, 6 mos, 1 year) Invitation with the one year card to become involved in the Bereavement Ministry

Post-funeral:

Cards, Companioning e.g. Memorial Masses, Support Groups, All Souls Day, Chores

       3. To be determined/accomplished:

-  Set a date to meet with EMs who Minister to the sick

-  Practical needs parish can assist: realistically e.g. meals, chores, house-sitting (Good Samaritans)
-  Gathering/purchasing of items for gift bags
-  Creation of gift bags

-  Creation of support group brochure

-  Creation of business cards

-  Meet with staff people who will work with families in planning liturgies

-  Communicate with Funeral Homes on arranging with families to visit parish to sit with staff member to create liturgy

-  Creation of Ministry Descriptions for various aspects of Bereavement Ministry

4.       Ministries

Bag Creation: Barbara

Order Items for Bags: Peggy

Writing of Bereavement Cards: Peggy

Deliver Bag/Contact Person with Grieving: Rose Marie*

-  More involved level of Ministry: With the delivery of gift bag, trained individual with some ability to listen/communicate appropriately/act as a contact person/follow-up with grieving.

5.       Support Group Marketing (Fall 2010)

6.       www.Griefshare.org