Bereavement Ministry of Consolation
St. Matthew Bereavement Ministry of Consolation, a part of Pastoral Care, strives to live in the image of Jesus Christ who wept with those who mourned. We believe that in our faith community, no one should grieve alone. To that end we pray for and with each family that loses a loved one and attempt to bring comfort and consolation to all the bereaved. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Bereavement Coordinator Rita Brennan at 704-543-7677 x 1007.
Remembering Our Angels In Heaven at Christmas
We have hung glittering angels on the tree in the Narthex behind the Welcome Desk. If you have lost a loved one this past year (since last Christmas) please take an angel off the tree and bring it home to hang on your tree as a remembrance of your loved one.
We Honor Veterans – Especially as They Near the End of Life
From Europe to the Pacific, from Korea and through the Cold War, from Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan and many places in between, our veterans have served diligently to preserve our freedoms. Yet as they fight their last battle, many do not receive the grace, dignity and honor that they deserve. Larry DaWalt from Hospice and Palliative Care will present a program specific to veteran’s issues from WWII to our current conflict in Afghanistan and present ways to support and help veterans who are nearing the end of life. Please join us on Tuesday evening, Jan. 24, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in New Life Center, Room 132. If you have questions, please contact Rita Brennan, Bereavement Coordinator, at 704-543-7677 x 1007.
Volunteer as a Bereavement Minister
In a faith community, no one should grieve alone. The Bereavement Ministry is always looking for compassionate people to help with the bereaved. Was someone there to help you when you lost a loved one? Do you wish someone had been? You can be that special person for someone else. St. Matthew will host a training on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012 for those interested in joining the Bereavement Ministry. For more information or to reserve a space, please call Rita Brennan at 704-543-7677 x 1007.
Dealing with Life’s Losses
Wednesday, March 21, 2012, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in New Life Center, Room 132/125
We will explore loss and healing related to death, separation, divorce, loss of job, loss of health and other losses. This program is for anyone who has had a loss and for those who support them.
End of Life Issues Seminar
Sunday, April 29, 1012, from 2 to 4 p.m. in New Life Center Banquet Room
What do you do when someone in your family dies? Who do you call first? Regardless of your age, state of health, etc., you never know when your family may be called upon to settle your estate. Estate tax laws have just changed. Do you know for sure that all your “affairs” are in order? The time is NOW to make your plans for the future for your loved ones.
The Men’s Bereavement Group
This support group for men meets the first and third Monday of the month (except holidays) from 7 to 9 p.m. in NLC Room 119. For information, contact Frank Pennachio at 704-243-6132. .
Healing Hearts
This support group is for widowed persons. It meets the second Monday of each month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Parish Library NLC Room 102.
Compassionate Friends
Support group for parents who have lost a child meets the third Tuesday of each month.
Room NLC 234/235 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Elizabeth Ministry is for parents who have lost a child pre-term or at birth.
Please call the Bereavement Office at 704.543.7677 x 1007. A peer minister will be provided.
