Bereavement Ministry is a ministry of presence based on companioning one another through a difficult loss in life. You are invited to extend your love and compassion in serving those who are grieving. We offer several areas of service to bereaved parishioners and family members of parishioners, by supporting them through the entire grieving process.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." ~ Matthew 5:4

Funeral Assistance

Volunteers serve as parish representatives and resource people. They assist funeral directors and family members during funeral visitation and Mass but are not involved in funeral planning or one-on-one grief support. They work from a list of basic tasks. Time commitment is based on individual availability. Meetings held every other month.

Date: As needed when funerals are held at Seton

Time: Varies

Location: Gathering Area and Sanctuary

Contact: Pam Westmont, 414-543-5970, or send us a message

Funeral Follow-up

Volunteers mail sympathy cards to families immediately after the funeral, they mail a letter three months after the funeral with grief support information, and send a sympathy card at the one year anniversary. In addition, a follow-up call is made after the three-month mailing with an invitation to the grief support groups.

Date: Following funerals

Location: This ministry can be done from home

Contact for Mailings: Bev McCarthy, 414-545-0519, or send us a message

Contact for Follow-Up Calls: Rita Capriolo, 262-782-6341, or send us a message

Grief Support Groups

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and Holy Apostles Parishes collaborate to offer “Companions on the Journey” grief support groups for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Both groups offer an opportunity for bereaved people to share their stories of grief in a safe and supportive environment while growing in their understanding of the grieving process. Two trained volunteers share the facilitation of each group meeting.

Date: 2nd Monday of each month

Time: 6:30 to 8:30 pm

Location: Holy Apostles Welcome Center

OR

Date: 2nd Wednesday of each month

Time: 12:45 to 3:00 pm, beginning with a simple lunch

Location: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton/Sippel Hall

Contact: Rita Capriolo, 262-782-6341, or send us a message

Mass of Remembrance – All Soul’s Day, November 2

Volunteers from Bereavement Ministry help with the mailing to families who had funerals at Seton in the past year and serve in a variety of capacities during the Mass.

Date: November 2

Time: 6:30 pm (except when November 2 falls on a Saturday, then it is at 5:00 pm)

Contact: Pam Westmont, 414-543-5970, or send us a message

Seminars – Educational/Supportive

The Bereavement Ministry offers educational and supportive seminars focusing on practical aspects of funerals as well as the grieving process. Members contact presenters, plan and host the event.

Contact: Rita Capriolo, 262-782-6341, or send us a message