Bereavement group
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We are a group of parishioners who have all experienced bereavement. Our aims are:-
to visit a bereaved family, on behalf of the Parish, within the first few months of their bereavement and to make repeat visits if requested by the family;
to offer a completely confidential listening service to anyone who is hurting or lonely after a death. We don't profess to have answers or magic solutions to eliminate pain, but we do recognise the range of different feelings that a bereaved person might experience for months or years after their loss. We believe, based on our own experiences, that having someone who will listen while people express these feelings, is a help in coming to terms with the loss of a loved one.
There is no intention to take over the priest's place in visiting the bereaved. Nor are we attempting to take over the role of any other groups within the Parish. Anyone wishing to contact the group is asked to do so via Fr Adrian in the first instance. We believe that security is vital to protect the vulnerable, therefore every member of the group has clearance from the Vetting and Barring Service (formerly CRB) and we always make home visits in pairs.
Our group meets every three months or so and visits are allocated at these meetings. When visiting families we take them a small pot plant or some flowers as a gift. This is always appreciated a simple gesture to show support and sympathy. We help to organise the Annual Mass for the families of those parishioners who have died, which is held every November and send cards to the bereaved on the first Christmas, Easter and anniversary of their loss.
The names of those in our Parish who have died are entered in the Books of Remembrance which are kept in each Church - near the Sacred Heart Altar in Holy Rosary and beside the statues of Our Lady in St. John's and St. Joseph's Churches. The books are updated after each of our meetings.
It is a privilege to be able to offer support for those in our Parish community who are bereaved and to pray for their loved ones who have died.
If you are interested in being involved in this group, please see Fr Adrian.
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