“God (He) will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain… Behold, I make all things new.” (Revelation 21: 4-5)
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
Grace and peace of our Lord, Jesus Christ be with you. In the journey of life, we inevitably encounter the painful reality of loss and grief. It is during these times of sorrow that the Ministry of Bereavement shines as a beacon of hope and solace within our Catholic community. As an outreach ministry, Bereavement Ministry seeks to provide support to our parishioners who are mourning the death of a loved one. In this ministry, we strive to embody the compassionate heart and hands of Our Lord Jesus, offering comfort, understanding, and companionship to those who are sorrowful.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus Himself affirms, “Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). These words offer hope and reassurance that even in the midst of heartache, God’s comforting presence is available to us. It is important to recognize that no one can fully comprehend or remove the pain of another person’s grief. However, as members of the community of faith, we can walk alongside and support one another in the midst of sorrow. The Church teaches us that we are called to be in solidarity with our brothers and sisters, bearing their burdens and sharing in their pain. The Apostle Paul reminds us in his letter to the Galatians, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). In Bereavement Ministry, we endeavor to be the living embodiment of this call to compassion and support.
Indeed, it is essential to remember that while we may not be able to fully comprehend or alleviate another person’s pain, we can walk beside them, offering our presence and support. The apostle Paul encourages us in his letter to the Romans, saying, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). This call to empathy and solidarity reminds us of our shared humanity and the importance of bearing one another’s burdens.
Central to the mission of Bereavement Ministry is the demonstration of love and concern from our parish community. Our Bereavement Minister, Mrs. Joyce Fishberg, has many years of experience in grief counseling. She is fully devoted and committed to serving those in need during their time of grief and loss. Through monthly meetings, Joyce creates a sacred space where those who mourn can gather, share their experiences, and find solace in the company of others who understand their pain. These meetings are marked by prayer, including prayers for the deceased, as we lift up their souls to God’s mercy and seek His comfort for those left behind.
If you or someone you know is in need of the support and care offered by our Bereavement Ministry, I encourage you to reach out to the parish office at (561) 488-1373 for more information. May God’s blessings be upon all who mourn, granting them His peace and comfort in the midst of their sorrow. May our Bereavement Ministry continue to be a source of light and hope, reflecting the love and concern of Christ to all who are in need.Yours in Christ,
Fr. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor.