Parishes minister with funeral planning, grief support

All Saints, New Orleans

The Bereavement Ministry assists the family with preparing readings, program and music for the Funeral Mass and provides hospitality. Followup calls are made to families after the funeral. Barbara Lombard, (504) 361-8835.

Annunciation Catholic Church, Bogalusa

The Bereavement Committee talks with the family when there is death and provides information to the pastor. Dinner for the family is provided upon request.

Ascension of Our Lord, LaPlace

The Bereavement Ministry Team members offer assistance in planning readings and music, are present during the wake and Funeral Mass, prepare the church and request food donations for family receptions. They also meet with the family to identify needs after the funeral, send care notes and monthly messages of comfort and healing. Members meet monthly. Susie Lanza, (504) 650-0496; parish office, (985) 652-2615.

Center of Jesus the Lord at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, New Orleans

Stewards of Mercy provide a mercy meal for family and friends after the Funeral Mass. In an emergency such as a family illness, members provide meals or personal care for family members. (504) 529-1636.

Corpus Christi-Epiphany, New Orleans

The Bereavement Ministry assists in preparing the Funeral Mass and gives comfort and support for the family. A Mass and remembrance exhibit of all parishioners who have died during the year is offered each year. Patricia Lee, [email protected] or (504) 261-8628.

Holy Family, Franklinton

The pastor meets with 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 upon request for the family and their guests in the parish hall after the funeral. (985) 839-4040.

Mary Queen of Peace, Mandeville

Contact Jodi Awbrey, [email protected] or (985) 626-6977 to begin arrangements. The annual Memorial Mass for parish families who have lost a loved one in the previous year will be Nov. 2 at 7 p.m.

Most Holy Trinity, Covington

The Bereavement Ministry offers hospitality and liturgical preparations. Hospitality members provide food for the family and/or assistance with visitation. Liturgical members assist families in preparing for the funeral services and are present to offer comfort, greet attendees and assist with the Mass or service. Families of the deceased are invited to attend a Memorial Mass on Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. Kathy Decareaux, (985) 892-0642.

 

Our Lady of the Angels, Waggaman

The Bereavement Ministry assists the family in preparing readings and the Funeral Mass Program. Facilities are available for the repast. Words of comfort are sent to the family by the Bereavement Card Ministry. Prayers are offered for the family during weekend Masses.

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 individuals dealing with the loss of a loved one. Group discussion and guest speakers about the grief process. (504) 466-4511.

Our Lady of Lourdes, Slidell

Grief ministry meets the second Monday of the month at 6:15 p.m. at the Parish Life Center, 325 Westchester Blvd., Slidell. (985) 643-4137.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Chalmette

Bereavement Ministry members meet with the family to prepare for the funeral Mass, choose readings and coordinate words of remembrance and hymns. Members set up for the Mass and instruct family members who are lectors or gift-bearers. A memorial Mass is celebrated annually to remember those who have died in the past year. Family members are encouraged to come and bring pictures to be displayed. Carol Licciardi, (504) 782-5691.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Westwego

Widows and Widowers Group has guest speakers when available. (504) 341-9522.

Sacred Heart, Lacombe

Sharing the Journey, a grief support group for widows and widowers, offers support and comfort in a confidential and prayerful setting. The facilitator is Beverly Domingue, a certified faith companion. Meetings are on the second Wednesday from 1-3 p.m. in the church. (985) 882-5229.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, Norco

Angels of Mercy Bereavement Group members reach out to family members of the deceased. Along with spiritual support, the group provides food and drinks. Dianne Mayeux, (504) 416-7073 or [email protected].

St. Angela Merici, Metairie

Coping with Life Alone ministry helps men and women who have lost their spouse either through death, divorce or separation. The 10-week program is offered twice a year, typically beginning in June and November/December, with meetings on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the St. Angela Merici Conference Room. Joey Caruso, (504) 812-3300.

The Funeral Ministry assists families in planning their loved one’s Funeral Mass. One training session is required to serve. Donna McNamara, [email protected].

St. Ann Church and Shrine, Metairie

Parish provides a room for the family of the deceased to gather during visitation. (504) 455-7071, ext. 222.

St. Augustine, New Orleans

Consolation Ministry members will call or visit families going through the death or illness of a loved one. They serve as a supportive presence and also prepare Funeral Masses. June Dumas, (504) 525-5934.

St. Benedict, Covington

The Grief Support Group meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the month, from 2-4 p.m. in the Parish Center. Marianite Sisters Kateri Battaglia and Elvira Brown facilitate these meetings. (985) 892-5202.

St. Benilde, Metairie

The Meal Ministry provides meals to parishioners after family losses/tragedies, surgeries, illnesses and new births. (504) 834-4980.

The St. Benilde Grief Ministry includes:

HALOS (Healing After Loss to Overdose or Suicide) Group for anyone who has lost a family member by overdose or suicide. The group meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 7 p.m. in the parish office.

Red Bird Ministries Grieving Parents Support Group for couples or individuals who have lost a child of any age, for any reason. The group meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the parish office.

TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) for family members whose loved ones died in military service. The group meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the parish office.

Grief Ministry program contact, Val Hebert, (504) 834-4980.

St. Catherine of Siena, Metairie

The New Day Program is a structured, 10-week series using “The New Day Journal” by Sister Mauryeen O’Brien. Participants struggling with the loss of a loved one are guided through the four stages of grief using guided readings, small group discussion, journaling, prayer and Scripture reading. This program is offered in the fall and in the spring.

The Grief Support Coffee is less structured and provides those coping with the loss of a loved one an opportunity to share their feelings. Coffees are offered on the second Monday of each month throughout the year as participants are able.

For both programs, call Patricia Lawson, (504) 835-9343, ext. 1571, or Becky Steppe (504) 835-9343, ext. 1547.

St. Charles Borromeo, Destrehan

The office staff assists family members in selecting readings and music. An annual memorial Mass will be celebrated Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. for those who have lost a loved one during the past year.

St. Christopher the Martyr, Metairie

This ministry offers compassion and caring for those who have suffered a loss. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month at 6:15 p.m. in the parish center. Terry and Tom Canale, (504) 833-4251.

St. David, News Orleans

The Bereavement Ministry offers assistance to the deceased’s family before and after the funeral. Meets monthly. Annual memorial Mass is celebrated by Josephite Father Oswald Pierre-Jules, pastor, on the second Wednesday in November for families. Frankie Gardner, (504) 947-2853.

St. Dominic, New Orleans

Parish grief ministry for spiritual and emotional care to parishioners who are mourning the loss of a loved one. Spiritual moderator, Father Jeffrey Merritt, parochial vicar, (504) 482-4156.

St. Francis Xavier, Metairie

The parish has two bereavement support groups that meet monthly for prayer and support of individuals who are grieving the death of a loved one. The groups are facilitated by a trained volunteer. There is also an opportunity for one-on-one meetings with the facilitator. In addition, there are several major events each year for the bereaved involving prayer, remembrance and coping with grief during the holidays. (504) 834-0340.

St. Gabriel the Archangel, New Orleans

The Bereavement Ministry provides comfort and support to parish families, assists them in planning the funeral and in making arrangements for music and the repast. The team prepares the church for the funeral. (504) 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 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 compassionate support to families and friends of the deceased, also providing coffee and light refreshments during visitation until the Mass begins. St. Jane Hall is available to parishioners afterwards if they wish to have a catered gathering. Non-parishioners are welcome to use the church if their funeral director assists in finding a priest, if ours are unavailable.

The Widow/Widower Group meets monthly and provides prayer, spiritual enrichment, encouragement and social activities for those who have lost a spouse. Regular meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month at 9 a.m. in the Barre Center Library. (985) 892-1439.

St. Joachim, Marrero

The 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. Sympathy cards and Mass intentions are sent to the family. Gina Fitch, (504) 348-8580, [email protected].

St. Joan of Arc, LaPlace

Bereavement Friends helps families with arrangements, providing food, rosaries and notifying friends. Members assist with the annual All Souls’ Day Mass and reception on Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. for parish families who have lost a loved one in the past year. Frankie Tarullo, (985) 652-2334 or [email protected].

The parish also has a Bridge to NAIM group for the newly widowed. Meetings are the third Monday of the month at 6 p.m. Pat Menard, (504) 415-1032.

St. John the Baptist, Folsom

The Bereavement Ministry assists in preparing and attending the Funeral Mass while giving comfort and support to the family. Different ministries may work with the family to prepare food following the funeral. A Mass of Remembrance is offered on All Souls’ Day for all who have died in the past year. Joy, (985) 796-3806 or Belinda, (985) 796-9708.

St. John the Baptist, Paradis

The Bereavement Ministry offers prayerful support to parishioners and others coping with grief of any kind. Parish office, (985) 758-2668.

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 maintains contact with the family by offering prayerful grief support and a Memorial Mass. Deceased members are remembered at the All Souls’ Day Mass. A brunch is held each summer for those families who have lost loved ones in the past two years. The pastor is available for spiritual guidance.

St. Luke the Evangelist, Slidell

The Bereavement Ministry reaches out to parishioners who have lost a loved one and coordinates with the family to arrange any gathering after the funeral. A Mass of Remembrance is offered Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. for families who have lost a member in the past year. Kay Guard, (985) 641-6429 ext. 207.

St. Mary Magdalen, Metairie

Arms Wide Open (AWO) Bereavement Ministry members help plan and attend the funeral liturgy; offer prayers and spiritual support during the year following the funeral; and offer information on grief counseling and other resources available at neighboring parishes and the archdiocese. A Mass is offered for the deceased, and a special All Saints’ Day Mass is offered for all buried from the parish in the past year. (504) 733-0922.

St. Margaret Mary, Slidell

HALOS (Healing After Loss to Overdose or Suicide) group meets the second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. in the Evangelization Building. Donna, (985) 201-2143, or Ester, (504) 621-7864.

St. Mary of the Angels, New Orleans

The Bereavement Committee, headed by Deirdre Landry, discusses arrangements for the Funeral Mass. The Evangelization Ministry, headed by Vaughn Valeary, presents the bereaved family with a Bible, memorial card, list of church services and a pen. During the month of November, a Remembrance Altar is placed in church, and parishioners may place pictures and programs on the altar for people to pray for their loved ones. A support group for those mourning their loved ones meets the last Wednesday of the month. (504) 945-3186.

St. Paul the Apostle, New Orleans East

The Bereavement Ministry offers to recite the rosary before a funeral service and sends sympathy cards to families following the services. The pastor meets with the family to prepare the Funeral Mass. Ushers and Funeral Mass ministers assist with the service, and four weeks of Mass intentions are offered for the deceased. A Mass of Remembrance is held each November for the families of those who have had funeral services at St. Paul in the past year. (504) 242-8820.

St. Peter, Covington

The St. Peter Parish NAIM Ministry provides spiritual, emotional and social support to the elderly who have lost their spouse. Members meet once a month. (985) 892-2422.

St. Peter, Reserve

The Bereavement Committee offers sympathy and spiritual support to family members of deceased parishioners. 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 and blessing of the cemetery. Anyone interested in helping can contact Peggy Bienvenu, (504) 487-8769 or [email protected].

St. Peter Claver, New Orleans

Bereavement Ministry (D.O.V.E.S.) offers love, care and support to families who grieve the loss of a loved one. Members are available to meet with the family to make funeral plans and prepare funeral liturgy; attend and assist with the Mass; pray for the deceased and the family, as well as follow up with cards, calls and visits. The ministry also assists with the annual Memorial Mass for families who have lost a loved one and prepares an exhibit of all who have died during the year.

Sts. Peter and Paul, Pearl River

The Widows Support Group meets monthly to help support each other in any way that is needed. Meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month.

St. Raymond-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, upon request, to 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.