Bereavement Luncheon

The Bereavement Luncheon Ministry reaches out to mourners by providing a luncheon buffet in the Fellowship Hall to family and friends following the funeral of a loved one. The meals are offered at no cost to anyone who has experienced the loss of a family member. (Some people do make a donation to the church or to the Bereavement Luncheon Ministry in thanksgiving.)

Volunteers are needed to help with all aspects of the luncheon. Volunteers are needed to prepare a dish, set up the parish hall on the morning of the luncheon, serve the buffet and/or clean up. Food preparation is at home, with a covered dish brought in to the church on the morning of the funeral. Set up includes putting tablecloths on the tables, placing small bud vases of silk flowers on the tables, and setting out the food buffet style. Clean up involves light housekeeping.

Families select the luncheon menu from a list of options and provide an estimate of the number of guests to the ministry chair who then contacts volunteers regarding their availability on the selected date. Funerals are generally held at 11:00 am, with the luncheon immediately afterward. Set up volunteers arrive mid-morning to begin preparation, and clean-up is usually completed by 2:00 pm. The number of luncheons provided each month varies, but generally numbers one or two. Lead time for meal preparation is usually 1-2 days. This ministry is ideal for those who want to serve their parish community on an as-needed basis, or who due to travel or other commitments may not be able to maintain a regular volunteer schedule.

To participate in this ministry, please contact Vivian Kelly through the main office at 919.552.8758.