St. Helena’s Bereavement Ministry Offers Comfort and Healing to the Grieving

St. Helena Catholic Church in San Antonio is blessed to host a Bereavement Ministry that embodies the Catholic call to stewardship, providing comfort and compassion to those in mourning. This ministry, dedicated to serving families who have lost loved ones, allows parishioners to experience God’s healing in times of sorrow.
 
The Bereavement Ministry began in 2014 with Catholic funeral planning workshops, guiding families through Church teachings on eternal life and giving them peace of mind. Volunteers prepare the church, welcome guests, and serve as lectors or Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, reflecting Christ’s command to “love one another as I have loved you.”
 
In partnership with The Ecumenical Center of San Antonio, the ministry developed the Life After Loss Grief Support Program. This six-week series, free of charge, combines teaching, prayer, and faith-centered activities to offer solace to those grieving. The annual Memorial Mass and Candle-lighting Ceremony on November 2nd, for All Souls’ Day, allows parishioners to honor their departed loved ones.
 
The ministry is thankful for the support of Father Marcin and continues to welcome volunteers. Those interested can meet the ministry team after Mass at Café Espiritu.