Bereavement

The ministries of healing and consolation focus on the spiritual healing of the faithful, through prayer, reconciliation, anointing, and consolation rooted on God.

For further information on these programs, please contact Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries at (213) 637-7801.

Coordinator for Ministries of Healing- Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick

All of us need healing, throughout our lives because of bad decisions made, physical and emotional suffering experienced, disease and finally death. As the sacraments of Initiation guide us through the journey of our lives so the sacraments of reconciliation, anointing, and viaticum, take us through our periods of darkness and death thus completing our earthly pilgrimage. CCC 1525

The goal of each healing sacrament is to bring us God’s healing presence  through Jesus Christ and with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Reconciliation

CCC 1496 The spiritual effects of the sacrament of Penance are:
– reconciliation with God by which the penitent recovers grace;
– reconciliation with the Church;
– remission of the eternal punishment incurred by mortal sins;
– remission, at least in part, of temporal punishments resulting from sin;
– peace and serenity of conscience, and spiritual consolation;
– an increase of spiritual strength for the Christian battle.

Advent and Lent penance services (links included here) in Spanish and English these penance services will serve as seasonal models for preparing parish celebrations.

Watch Father Casey Cole, OFM explain the ritual for the celebration of the sacrament of Penance.

Click here, to see some of the helpful suggestions for making an examination of conscience. (From the USCCB)

Anointing of the Sick- Guidelines, Pastoral Care of the Sick

Father in heaven, through this holy anointing,
Grant us comfort in our suffering.
When we are afraid, give us courage,
When afflicted, give us patience,
When dejected afford us hope,
And when alone assure us of the support of your holy people.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

(Pastoral of the Sick)

Vatican II mandated the changes to the sacraments. The first was the name. To reflect the changed emphasis, it is now called the Anointing of the Sick. The second change is that it is no longer a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. It can be applied whenever the faithful become ill. The third is that the anointing of the sick and the viaticum forms a continuous rite, not separate rites. (Constitution of Sacred Liturgy 73-74)

 CCC 1532  The special grace of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick has as its effects:
– the uniting of the sick person to the passion of Christ, for his own good and that of the whole Church;
– the strengthening, peace, and courage to endure in a Christian manner the sufferings of illness or old age;
– the forgiveness of sins, if the sick person was not able to obtain it through the sacrament of Penance;
– the restoration of health, if it is conducive to the salvation of his soul;
– the preparation for passing over to eternal life.

ORDER OF CHRISTIAN FUNERALS

When a member of Christ’s Body dies, the faithful are called to a ministry of consolation to those who have suffered the loss of one whom they love. Christian consolation is rooted in that hope that comes from faith in the saving death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ (OCF #8). The Church calls each member of Christ’s Body- priest, deacon, layperson- to participate in the ministry of consolation care for the dying, to pray for the dead and to comfort those who mourn.” Order of Christian Funerals, 8

1. What does the Ministry of Consolation do?

This is a group of parish ministers that accompany in the prayerful and pastoral journeying with the dying and their families. They also assist the family in preparation and planning of all Funeral rites.

How can I be a Minister of Consolation?
By taking a training through the Office for Worship. The training will focus on:

• Understanding Catholic Funeral Rituals and Funeral Planning
• Ministering to the bereaved
• Understanding what grief and mourning are
• Building a support group in your Parish

For information of upcoming trainings visit ADLA online STORE or contact Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries at (213) 637-7801.

Listen to our podcast Dying and Rising.

Ministry of Consolation Flyer (PDF Document)

Ministries of Consolation by Regions (PDF Document)

How to Start a Ministry of Consolation Brochure (Word Document)

Resources for Ministers/Facilitators (Word Document)

Suggested Songs and Hymns for Christian Funeral Liturgy (Word Document)