In the Order of Christian Funerals, the Church asks that the entire community, priests and laity, be involved in ministering to the family of the deceased. The Breavement Ministry is an outreach program for members of our Parish Community who are experiencing personal loss through death. This group has been formed to provide comfort, support and encouragement as well as educational and social opportunities for persons who share the same life crisis. Trained volunteers as well as the welcoming embrace of those who share the same difficult challenges becomes an initiation to a new outlook, renewed determination and a deeper trust in God's power and presence.

Bereavement Group

If you have experienced the loss of a loved one, please consider joining our group in prayer and discussion. The group will meet on a regular basis on the second Thursday of the month. Questions?? Please call Beverly Gluhosky, 772-286-4590.

Funerals

Guidelines for Catholic Funerals: What does the Church expect regarding funerals? The national Conference of Catholic Bishops has put forth the following guidelines:

Following the ancient traditions of mankind and the Catholic community, the church asks us to celebrate the funeral of those gone forth from us in a liturgy with their bodily remains present. This is to show proper and appropriate respect for the vessel indwelt by the Holy Spirit and used throughout their journey of faith here on earth. This is, after all, the body that will be raised up in glory of the Second Coming of our Lord at the end of time. This funeral Liturgy usually takes place in the church at the celebration of the Eucharist. Following this celebration, the church recommends the respectful interment or entombment of the body.

However, the Church also recognizes the desire of some to use cremation as the preferred method of disposition. In view of this desire, the church recommends the cremation take place AFTER the funeral Liturgy. Following the cremation, the cremains should be buried or entombed.

If significant reasons to depart from these guidelines exist, reasonable accommodations may be made. Please feel free to call the Parish Office, 772-286-4590, if you have questions regarding actual funeral arrangements or when planning such arrangements before the need actually arises.