Appeal for Volunteers – Parish Bereavement Team
- Parish of the Annunciation Rushcliffe
- Jan 22
- 2 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
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.
Training Sessions on 12th and 19th March at St Margaret Clitherow
The first two sessions will take place in St Margaret Clitherow church on 12th and 19th March at 2pm-3.30pm.
In the first session we will cover listening skills related to bereavement and Catholic teaching related to death and bereavement.
In the second session, we will explore what is involved in planning a Catholic funeral liturgy.
All are welcome, even if you are not sure yet whether you would like to be part of a ministry team. Please do consider if you could be part of this valuable ministry.
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:
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