The Bereavement Ministry of St. Paul Parish provides a free reception service for members and their families following funeral or memorial masses.

We provide luncheons, or coffee and dessert, depending on the time of day, so that family and friends may gather and celebrate the life of the deceased and share a meal that St. Paul’s parishioners provide. We pray that doing so will alleviate some of the emotional and financial strain such an event places on families, as well as provide them with the love and support of our parish community.

In order to continue this important service we always need additional volunteers. You may volunteer in several ways:

You might expect to be called four or five times a year to spend approximately 4 hours each time serving at the reception and providing appropriate clean-up. You would not be required to set up or take down tables and chairs. That service is provided by others.

Members of the St. Paul Bereavement Ministry Support Group console the mourners with words of faith and support and with acts of kindness. Two support groups are offered each year at St. Paul Catholic Church (watch your bulletins for dates and times). The groups are open to all people who are grieving the death of a loved one. Each program consists of eight weekly sessions, offers information about the grief process, and given an opportunity for people to share their thoughts and feelings in an environment of understanding and empathy. There is no charge for the support group but donations are accepted to help cover expenses. The group is sponsored by the Parish but people of all faiths are welcome.