A Ministry Of Consolation

Beginning from a discussion of the mystery of Christian death and moving to a renewed understanding of the role of the entire community in the Funeral Rites, this book gives practical, concrete, step-by-step instructions for beginning a parish Ministry of Consolation centered around the Order of Christian Funeral.

A parish guide for comforting the bereaved.

The Ministry of Consolers notes factors that contribute to a grief minister's multifaceted work, including parish support and his or her own loss history. It captures the essence of this ministry, which is to bring consolation and hope to those who are suffering from loss. Book jacket.

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In 2012 the author was invited by the Parish Pastoral Council in Newcastle, Co Down to help establish a Bereavement Ministry in the Parish. Unable to find exactly the course structure he was looking for, he designed his own course. He has divided it into five sections: • The Human Experience of Grief. (drawing on my own experiences and what some of the leading experts in grief have written) • The Liturgy of Mourning. (as used in the Catholic Church) • Grief in the Scriptures. (setting elements of section 1 within a scriptural context) • A selection of suggested Scripture readings with reflections and some sample prayers of intercession. (These are intended to be used by ordained and lay ministers for their personal reflection and in preparing funeral homilies. They may also be of solace to grieving people.) • A selection of prose, poems and prayers. This book is directed primarily to those involved in bereavement ministry.

In Grief on the Road to Emmaus, experienced bereavement author and facilitatorBeth Hewettoffers help for people interested in walking with those who grieve and supporting their mourning. Using the story of the bereaved disciples walking with Jesus to Emmaus and personal grief vignettes, this message is grounded in Benedictine monastic values that emphasize love, mutuality, hospitality, listening, prayer, humility, action, and community. This readable guide introduces a ministry of consolation, complete with facilitator skills, practices, and strategies for healing to assist readers to accompany the bereaved compassionately, leading each other to hope after loss.