The Bereavement Ministry responds on behalf of our community to help the family when a death occurs. Following notification from the Pastor of a death in the Parish, our liturgy planners contact the family to express the sympathy of the Parish community and offer our services in planning the funeral liturgy.

We assist the family in preparation of the Mass of Christian Burial with choosing the Scripture readings and suggesting liturgical music for the Mass. The Mass is a celebration of Christ's victory over death, and is a celebration for the living.  These recommendations give the family an opportunity to do something positive at a time when they may be feeling very helpless.

Another outreach we offer is funeral receptions following a funeral at St. Veronica, for active, registered parishioners. Our Parish Ministry Center has space available where families can gather together following cemetery services, if desired. A meat and cheese tray can also be provided along with various homemade side dishes from our Bereavement Food Ministry. Members of our Bereavement reception team would also be on hand to help with the reception. We can provide food for up to 50 people. A fee is charged to offset the cost of the meat tray. 

This is another important area of our ministry. The amount of time or involvement depends entirely upon each family’s needs. 

Mass is celebrated on All Souls Day (November 2) or at the nearest Saturday evening Mass for all those who have died. A candle is lit for each person who has died in the parish over the past year. This candle is given to a family member to take home after Mass.