Bereavement Ministry & grief support

Our Lady of Loretto Bereavement Ministry began in September, 1993, when a group of ten parishioners (men and women) participated in training sessions conducted by the Archdiocese of San Francisco to prepare us to form our own on-site bereavement team. Our Ministry of Consoloation program particpates with other parishes throughout the Archdiocese, in reaching out to parishioners who are grieving.

The mission of Our Lady of Loretto Bereavement Ministry is to extend consolation and support to parishioners who have experienced the death of a loved one. This outreach hopes to serve and extend the support system already in place for families through family, church and civic organizations.

We are always welcome to receive new members from the parish community to be a part of this support team. In the name of all OLL parishioners, they extend consoloation to those in our parish community who are suffering after the death of a loved one.

The Bereavement Team also sponsors an annual Memorial Mass in November, remembering all parishioners who have died within the current year. Families are invited to attend and participate in the Memorial Mass and in a candle lighting ceremony remembering their deceased loved one.

We also provide 8-week Grief Support Groups facilitated by Sister Jeanette Lombardi, MFT. These support groups are open to parishioners and to anyone needing such a group during their time of grief. Groups are comprised of 8-10 participants and are offered twice-yearly.

If you are interested in being a member of OLL Bereavement Ministry, please call Sister Jeanette at 415-897-5700. Also, if you desire to particpate in a Grief Support Group or individual Grief Counseling, please call Sr. Jeanette. You may leave a message at 415-897-5700 or on a confidentially secure voicemail at 415-897-2171, ext. 226.