Bereavement Ministry workshop

Twenty people from Hastings and Napier attended a February workshop on setting up a Bereavement Ministry in a parish. Facilitated by Lorraine McArthur and Sue Devereux from Wellington, the group looked at the issues they would face as bereavement ministers: supporting a person deep in grief, the art of listening, the personal gifts needed for this ministry, resources available and how to support a family as they prepare a funeral service.

Looking towards the time when a priest may not be available to preside over a Requiem Mass, the bereavement ministers also looked at how to organise a funeral service. Aftercare is also important and strategies were discussed for continued support for the bereaved person.

For more information contact Sue Devereux, 04 4961744 or s.devereux@wn.catholic.org.nz

Image: Bereavement ministers from the parishes of Sacred Heart, St Peter Chanel, St Mary’s and Our Lady of Lourdes.
Back two gentlemen: Brian Fouhy, Reg Lambert.
Front: Pat Sanko, Joan Thompson, Bernadette Arison, Sandra Connor, Lucia Crichton, Maureen Newrick, Benita Bullivont, Moira Begley, Michael Francis, Dianne Greene, Scarlett Donovan-Brown, Joan Hastie, Jill Frizzell, Dave Anderton.