Pastoral Care Ministries
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Contact
Deacon Mark Westrick
(919) 499 - 3772
Bereavement Ministry
The St. Stephen Bereavement Ministry is comprised of volunteers who are willing to give a small amount of time to aid families during their time of grief.
As stated by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, "Comforting someone who is mourning is a form of Christian Ministry. By offering a listening ear or holding a hand, we suffer with the person who is grieving. We also bring hope of the promise of union with God."
What We Do:
Started by a small group of parishioners, the St. Stephen Bereavement Ministry works to provide comfort to those families who have lost a loved one through death. Realizing that your parish is also your spiritual family, we offer assistance in two ways.
1. For anyone having a funeral service at the church, we provide food and drink for funeral families consisting of sandwiches, several sides, coffee, iced tea, and desserts. These are offered at a minimal charge (to cover expenses only) so families can focus on grieving, not planning.
2. Several members of our ministry send cards and prayer notes to those who have lost a loved one throughout the first year of grieving. We do this to ensure no one ever forgets they are being prayed for by their parish community.
3. For parishioners who want to be involved but may not be able to physically be present on the day of a funeral, we provide contact information so that cards of support can be sent to those who are grieving. Understanding our calling to provide corporal and spiritual works of mercy to those in need, we have been able to serve many families in their most difficult time of need.
Requirements: Everyone is welcome to be part of any or all of this ministry. The only qualification is a caring heart.