CELEBRATION  OF  LIFE

Parishioners are encouraged to walk with one another as members of the BODY OF CHRIST on the journey through life.  This is particularly important during periods of crises, and in a special way when a family is called to say “good bye” to a loved one. 

When a family member is critically ill, you are urged to call the Pastoral Care Office so that we might help the individual and the family to prepare for God’s coming to take the loved one home and to help that individual to live his or her last moments in dignity and peace.  It is appropriate to receive the Anointing of the Sick at this time.  The grace of this sacrament brings an inner peace and healing as the individual’s pain and suffering are transformed through union with the suffering and death of Christ.  The sacrament, which helps the person to deal with the anxieties and struggles of dying, should, if possible, be received while the individual is still conscious and able to participate in the prayers.  It is desirable that family members be present, if possible, for this anointing.

When a person dies, a family member should contact the Pastoral Care Office to set up a time for planning the Funeral Mass.  Parishioners are encouraged to “be present” to families of a loved one who dies and to celebrate his or her life even if they do not know the individual personally.  The  simple action of participating in the funeral Mass gives a powerful message of support to the family.

St. Mel Parish also provides a Bereavement Support Group to persons who have recently lost a loved one.  The death of a loved one is an event that touches each one of us very deeply.  A host of emotions surface…anger, guilt, regret, fear, loneliness, sadness…that can have the effect of making us totally preoccupied and drained of energy.  Society today urges us to “move on” with our lives, but if we continue to deny these feelings we severely limit our ability to “move on” and lead fruitful lives.  Grief can be a significant opportunity for growth.

A Variety of Ways to  Participate:

• Contact the parish when a family member is seriously ill.
• Pray with the dying person and their family; converse with them about the meaning of life.
• Assist family in preparing a liturgy to celebrate the life of their loved one.
• Support a grieving family by being present for the Funeral Mass.
• Assist with a reception following a funeral.
• Visit a family who has recently lost a loved one & support them.
• Join a peer group whose members support one another in dealing with their grief.
• Bring a friend who is experiencing a loss to a grief support group.
• Help to facilitate a grief support group.
  

For additional information, contact the Pastoral Care Office at (818) 340-6020 x1018.