When a member of the Church dies, the faithful are called to a ministry of consolation to those who have suffered the loss.

In the Scriptures Jesus comforts those who mourn: "Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, I will give you rest ... and you will find rest." In the same Gospel, Jesus reassures us of God's solace: "Happy are those who mourn; God will comfort them!"

Christian consolation is rooted in that hope that comes from faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Christian hope faces the reality of death and the anguish of grief but trusts the power of sin and death have been vanquished by the risen Lord.

The Church calls each member of Christ's Body – priest, deacon, layperson – to participate in the ministry of consolation: to care for the dying, to pray for the dead, to comfort those who mourn.

At St. James, members of this ministry assist in the planning and celebration of funeral Masses, offer comfort and support to the bereaved and provide follow-up grief support as needed.

For more information about the Bereavement Ministry, please contact Sister Mary Katherine at 407-422-2005.