One of the most difficult and, at the same time, sacred experiences of
life is death—facing our own mortality and that of our loved ones.
In the midst of suffering, it is natural for us to feel angry, abandoned,
alone and alienated. We want to live and we do not want to let go of
our loved ones. The seasons of life before and after death can be
confusing times of faith and fear, hope and helplessness. In the
midst of this mystery of dying the Church reaches our with the compassion
of Christ, who by dying destroys our death and by rising restores our
life. During times of illness, the Church visits the sick, bringing
the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Anointing and Eucharist which give
spiritual healing and strength to those weakened by illness.
At
the time of death and funeral, the Church extends the consoling presence
of Christ to those who grieve. Through the Funeral Liturgy the
Church entrusts the deceased to God and prays for the surviving loved
ones.
After the funeral, the Church continues to offer the survivors moral
support and healing through the bereavement ministry.
In
this booklet, we describe these ministries with the hope that our parish
community of faith will always be the compassionate presence of the risen
Christ to everyone in need.
