Grief Support Ministry

GRIEF SUPPORT MINISTRY
at St. Thomas More


Each of us experiences loss and pain. It can be when we face the death of a love one or when a loved one is dying.
If you are experiencing loss whether it is recent or in the past please come join us . We meet the second Monday of each month here at STM Paradise in the small conference room starting at 6 P.M. If your need is immediate or you have any questions  -
please call Lois Gervais at 872-0278


Mission Statement

The goal of the Saint Thomas More Catholic Church Grief Support Ministry is to support and help the dying person and their families. We will also be there for anyone who is suffering a loss past or present so that no member of our parish Family will ever feel alone in their grief.

Bereavement Services


The death of a loved one is both stressful and sorrowful for those left to make final arrangements. As a parish we seek to make this process as easy and comforting as possible. As the People of God we join in your mourning but also want to share with you the hope we find in Jesus Christ
and the Resurrection He offers. 

While wanting these services to be meaningful to you, we also uphold the Traditions of our faith and the sacred nature of the services. A parish minister will guide you in planning these services.

We ask that you keep any eulogies to more than 3 of a maximum of 2 minutes each. These should be done at the Vigil. One short talk for a maximum of two minutes is allowed at the end of Mass for announcements and thanksgiving. Any more eulogies or sharing should be done at the reception after services.

We hope you find comfort in your sorrow and hope for your future. If you are not now regularly invoved in the parish, we suggest that such involvement will help you to find the peace in your life. You are always welcome here!

Our parish of St. Thomas More will pray for you and the deceased.













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Service Options

The Funeral Mass is the standard service as the Eucharist is offered on behalf of the deceased and it is an opportunity for friends and family to find solace in the presence of God. Masses are always held in the Church.     (50 minutes)

The Funeral Service consists of prayer and intercessions only and may be held in the funeral home. It may be a good choice when many family and friends are not Catholic.     (20 minutes)

The Vigil is an option held the evening before the funeral in either the funeral parlor or in the Church. Many people who work in the day will choose to attend the Vigil. The Vigil regularly onsists of readings, a homily and prayers. You may also choose to add the Rosary.     (20-25 minutes    Add 15 minutes for Rosary)
Music during the service should be live only.
There is typically no music for Vigils.
 
When there is no Vigil, a family may have a Rosary at the beginning of Mass.      (Add 15 minutes)

Burial Services: Provided at the gravesite after the final service or at a later date.     (15 minutes)

In cases of poverty, the parish will donate part or all of its services. Otherwise we ask the family to help us cover the costs of services provided.

Priest Stipend:     $150 -$200
Music Ministers:     $100-$150 (1 or 2 ministers)
Outside Musicians:     $50  for our ministers to set up and close down sound system

The Church and hall are provided free for registered parishoners. Coffee is provided for the reception. Non parishoners or non active parishoners are asked to consider a Church donation of their choice. We suggest $150-$250.

 

 

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