Belonging to a parish calls all members to participate in the life of the parish.  We are called, based on Jesus’ teaching on Christian care for our neighbor (Mt. 25:34), to “bury the dead”; to assist families who are grieving the loss of a loved one. To assist in the burial of the dead, including providing the meal for a family, is a Corporal Work of Mercy; the responsibility of all baptized Catholics.

When a member of Christ’s Body dies, the faithful are called to console those who have suffered the loss of a loved one. Christian consolation grows from the faith we have in the saving death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Christian hope faces the reality of death and the anguish of grief, but trusts confidently that the power of sin and death has been vanquished by the Risen Lord. The Church calls each member of Christ’s body to participate in the ministry of consolation, to care for the dying, to pray for the dead and to comfort those who mourn.

The responsibility for the ministry of consolation rests with the believing community that heeds the words and examples of the Lord Jesus: “Blessed are those who mourn; they shall be consoled.”