LINCOLN (SNR) – More than 70 members of St. Michael Parish in Lincoln and guests gathered for a Mass Nov. 14 to celebrate the lives of and pray for family members who died in the previous calendar year.
The annual Mass is part of the parish’s bereavement ministry. The idea for an annual bereavement Mass arose several years ago from the parish’s evangelization committee.
During discussions in that committee, the question was asked: “what are we doing for our parishioners who have lost a loved one recently through death?”
Each of the committee members, drawing from their own lived experience, agreed on the importance and the necessity of reaching out to and walking the journey of grief with parish and family members.
St. Michael Pastoral Administrative Assistant Joy Martin drew upon resources that she was familiar with from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Wichita, where her family had been members.
A bereavement committee was established, and training in bereavement ministry was provided by Sandy Danek, founder of Healing Hearts ministry, Aaron Stratman, a professional counselor, and Maureen Bausch, who was involved in pastoral ministry at St. Elizabeth Regional Healthcare Center for many years.
The bereavement committee meets quarterly and updates themselves in continuing education and Eucharistic Adoration-based prayer.
Upon the death of a loved one, members of St. Michael bereavement committee reach out to the family and offer their support and resources during the difficult time of grieving. Parish families are asked if they would be open to a bereavement committee member meeting with them as desired, after a death and funeral.
Ted and Janna Sasse, whose son Brent died May 2, took part in this year’s Mass and said the bereavement team had been a source of support and love and that the Mass provided us comfort and healing.
They said the parish “truly is a family,” and the bereavement team is a perfect example of caring for one another in our time of need.
Part of the relationship between St. Michael Parish families and the bereavement committee is to journey with them at least for the first year following death assisting families in coping with the reality of death, helping them understand the Christian notion of life and immortality, providing resources such as prayer cards and other devotions aimed at grief and reconciliation.
The bereavement committee reaches out especially to parish families who have lost a spouse, child, parent or sibling.
The bereavement Mass has been offered three years, celebrated in the month of November, for those who died in the previous year.
Father Eric Clark, whose grandmother Patricia Carter died Oct. 10, was the principal celebrant for the Mass. Father Kenneth Borowiak, pastor, concelebrated. In his homily
Father Borowiak noted how real and difficult the grieving process can be for family, especially if death comes suddenly.
“The first year, in particular can be difficult,” he said. “Notable dates such as holidays, wedding anniversaries, birthdays and the anniversary of death can evoke very deep heart felt emotions.”
Father Borowiak also noted the importance of praying for loved ones at each Mass.
“Each time you participate in Mass the Momento for the Dead in the Eucharistic Prayer will have added meaning for you,” he said.
During the bereavement Mass, the names of the recently deceased were read and a candle was lit, reminding participants of the prayers before the Lord for the happy repose of those souls.
At the end of Mass Father Clark told the congregation that the month of November is an opportunity for all to remember loved ones.
“I encourage all to visit cemeteries this month for three reasons; one is to recognize that there are saints buried there that could pray for us; two, there are souls in purgatory that need our prayers in that cemetery, and third, we are able to contemplate our own mortality,” he said.
Andy and MaryAnn Tomlinson, whose daughter Dr. Kay Kent died Oct. 5, expressed their gratitude for the Mass celebrated for the happy repose of the souls of those who died in the past year, and especially the opportunity to “praise God and help us in the healing process.”
They said Mass and time together afterward gave the opportunity to share their story in the community and express how God’s presence is with them.
A meal was served after the Mass.
