Appeal for Volunteers – Parish Bereavement Team

Our parish is setting up a Bereavement Team to support families who have lost a loved one and are arranging a Catholic funeral. This team will represent our parish community and assist the parish priest by offering pastoral care and practical help at a very difficult time.

What will the team do?

• Visit bereaved families (in pairs) to help them plan the funeral liturgy (Funeral Service or Requiem Mass).

• Offer a condolence card from the parish community and assure families of our prayers.

• Attend funeral liturgies to represent the parish and assist where needed (e.g. welcoming people, helping with service sheets, readings if requested).

• Where appropriate, offer follow-up support after the funeral and signpost to further help.

Who can volunteer?

We are looking for parishioners who:

• are committed to the Catholic faith and the mission of the parish

• can listen with compassion and offer support with sensitivity

• will respect confidentiality and safeguarding requirements (DBS required)

• are willing to attend safeguarding/bereavement training

• can work flexibly as part of a small team

We hope to form a team of 8–10 volunteers, coordinated by a team leader.

Introduction Meeting – 6 February

An introduction meeting will be held on Friday 6 February at 2:00pm in the Holy Spirit Social Centre Hall. All are welcome. If you are unable to attend but would like to be involved, please contact Ceci Li. We will try to arrange an online meeting or an alternative session if there is sufficient interest.

For more information or to express interest, please contact: Ceci Li – ceci.li@dioceseofnottingham.uk or speak to Pat Jones, Lelia Bratt (Holy Spirit) or Carmel Zawodniak (St Margaret Clitherow) after Mass.

Leaflets with further details:

Parish Bereavement Team - Leaflet - Volunteer.pdf

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