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In the winter of 1992, a small group of women met at St. Michael the Archangel parish in South Glens Falls to discuss hospitality to parishioners who had lost a loved one.

More than 40 people attended the meeting, where they completed this sentence: "When I lost a loved one, it would have been helpful if my parish had...."

That meeting blossomed into the parish's bereavement ministry, which still supports families when they have suffered the loss of a loved one.

When the ministry was being created, funeral director Chris Gauthier talked with volunteers on "what not to say to grieving families." Joan Faxon from Caritas held a session on the stages of grief. Rev. Robert Nugent spoke on the concept, "We believe in the resurrection of the body and life everlasting."

The bereavement ministry's first post-funeral luncheon was offered to the family of parishioner Tom O'Malley. His widow, now an active participant in the ministry, recently shared that it was an absolute gift at such a vulnerable time.

For hundreds of families over the years, a "bereavement team" has been called into action when a funeral was scheduled and the family requested a post-funeral luncheon. The bereavement ministry prepares food and place settings, welcomes family members, offers support and cleans up afterward.

It is a ministry of love and compassion. There is no fee, although many families offer a donation in appreciation.

The bereavement ministry is one of the largest parish ministries at St. Michael's and is known throughout the wider community as a hallmark of the parish. Hospitality is only one aspect; workshops on other topics will be offered in the spring.

Recently, St. Michael's honored the bereavement ministry teams for their dedicated service under the leadership of Loretta Salazar. In the past 19 years, we have provided luncheons for 290 families!

(Sister Mary Electa is coordinator of pastoral care at St. Michael's.)[[In-content Ad]]

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