St. Andrew's Parish

Mission Statement - The mission of the Bereavement Team is to organize and support St. Andrew’s ministry of consolation.  It is to assure that no member of our faith community grieves alone.  We strive to provide the compassion of a loving God, reflected through the concern and care of parish members, to all who lose a loved one.  The entire parish community—clergy and lay, staff and parishioners--shares in the responsibility to bring Christ’s comfort to the grieving, to be a living example of His Word:

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

Matthew 11:28-30

The Bereavement Team ministers to those who are grieving in the following ways: 

• Works directly with family members to plan funeral liturgy
• Assists with the preparation for, and attends the Wake Service
• Assists at funeral and memorial masses
• Coordinates the planning and serving of funeral luncheons
• Supports families by sending sympathy cards and reading material at three, six and twelve month anniversaries
• Supports those in grief
• Provides a lending library
• Prepares a Mass of Remembrance on or near the feast of All Souls

 

If you are interested in serving in the Bereavement Ministry, please contact Michelle Vallee at (716) 725-6860 or email directly.