Funeral Planning

Our Parish’s Bereavement Ministry exists to support parishioners and friends who lose loved ones through death. We seek to provide comfort, consolation and support to family members during these difficult times.

Upon being informed of the death of a parishioner or former parishioner, the Bereavement Ministry coordinator contacts the deceased’s nearest of kin or family representative. The grieving family are assisted in the planning of the funeral liturgy, The Mass of Christian Burial. Appropriate Scripture readings and liturgical songs are suggested. Our goal is to help make this significant liturgy as personal as possible for the mourners. We work within the guidelines and directives of the Diocese of Worcester concerning Funeral Liturgies.

At the funeral Mass, members of the Bereavement Ministry team serve as acolytes, lectors and cross bearer. Our entire Bereavement Ministry team is made up of dedicated volunteers. Family members and friends are encouraged to take an active part in the liturgy. Mr. Philip Dunlavey serves as the ministry’s coordinator and is supported by Fred Stavinski,
Pauline Lariviere, Susan Demers, Simonne Supple, and Suzanne Clark

Grieving with Great Hope

A Five week grief support workshop series, Grieving with Great Hope, offers a prayerful, practical, and personal approach for anyone is mourning the loss of a loved one.  Check the Events Page, the Bulletin, or contact the Office for Workshop dates and times.

Share Your Gifts with Those In Need

Divine Mercy’s Bereavement Ministry is always seeking volunteers to assist us at this delicate time in our parishioners’ lives. Proper training and instruction are provided. If you are interested, please contact the Office or visit our Volunteering page.