Ministry of Consolation
Funeral Policy
The establishment of a bereavement ministry is encouraged for every parish of the Archdiocese.
1. A bereavement ministry is a part of the ministry of the Church. "Those who are baptized into Christ and nourished at the same table of the Lord are to be responsible for each other" (OCF #8). This ministry of mutual charity, caring for others in sickness, death, and mourning, is a call to every believer — priest, deacon, religious, layperson. The responsibility of the bereavement ministry rests with the community, which is to be instructed in this care by pastors, parochial vicars, and other ministers.
2. The ministry of bereavement extends beyond the time of the funeral to include the days and weeks after Christian burial.