At St. John of the Cross Parish our Bereavement Ministry assists our priests in providing grieving families prayerful support during the funeral vigil or wake, the funeral itself, and, if needed, at the burial of the body or cremated remains of the deceased at the cemetery. These trained ministers of bereavement primarily guide families in planning the funeral Mass, helping them to select meaningful readings, music, and prayers, and if desired, compose special Prayers of the Faithful and aid in designating liturgical ministers, all in an effort to making the ceremony a fitting memorial for the deceased and a comfort to the family. In addition this Ministry offers follow‐up support, providing grieving individuals or families with information on grief recovery programs and other related support groups.

At the annual All Souls Day Mass and reception each November the Ministers reach out again to share their love, compassion, and concern to all families who have experienced a loss.

Please contact MJ Martin, Director of Operations at 708-822-1627 to schedule a funeral. 

Funeral Liturgy Planning Sheet
Funeral Liturgy Readings List
Old Testament
New Testament
Gospel Readings
Funeral Music Selections

Funeral Rites
Cremation in the Catholic Church
Grief Ministry
Other Grief Support Programs