“Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4)

 

The second Beatitude also calls us to be comforters. If we are disciples of Jesus, pilgrims on the way to the kingdom where “he will wipe every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 21:4), we will comfort one another now, whatever the source of mourning. As with all the spiritual works of mercy, comforting the sorrowful is a way of demonstrating the blessedness that is already ours because of our destiny in Christ.

 

The Saint Cecilia Bereavement Committee ministers to families of parishioners who have lost a loved one by providing a reception, small meals, house-sitting, babysitting and transportation as needed.  Families are offered a luncheon following the funeral service and it takes an extraordinary number of cooks, bakers, servers and setup/cleanup crews to provide a luncheon for families.  The committee comes together, usually with 2-3 days notice, to provide a wonderful meal.  If you have ever witnessed a bereavement luncheon, you know what a truly amazing thing it is.  The committee is honored to provide this service to our parish when families need comfort the most.

 

The committee has been able to accomplish its mission completely through the generous donations of appreciative families and volunteers.  We are always in need of more helpers to provide dishes for luncheons as well as to help with setup, serving and cleanup.