The mission of the Bereavement Ministry is to ease the distress of individuals and families who have experienced the loss of a loved one. From the beginning, when bewildered family members contact the church asking about what they have to do, funeral packets are provided. These are being used to explain the funeral Mass, readings, hymns, fees and other concerns to families who are planning funerals. Mercy meals/funeral dinners may be arranged by the family after services as rooms are available at the church sites.

Holy Spirit Parish will maintain a presence, through ministry members, at the funeral home calling hours in support of the family and will make follow-up calls to grieving family members.

Stephen Ministry booklets, Journeying Through Grief, will be given or mailed to the family of the deceased or anyone who is having difficulty coming to terms with another’s death.

Coping with the Holidays, a free workshop for the bereaved, will be held on Wednesday, November 20, at 7:00 p.m. in McGurk Hall at St. Camillus site located at 314 W. Englewood Ave. in New Castle. To register, call Sr. Barbara Ann at 724-652-3422 ext. 2712.