Bereavement

At the heart of this ministry is the extension of the consoling embrace of the faith community of St. Michael and guidance to the bereaved family on things associated with the funeral preparations and services.
Death does not wait for any one; it does not wait for us to be ready, we who are left behind.  When the death of a loved one happens, many are left with the proverbial question, “What do I do now?  Who should I contact first?”
To lessen the confusion that the illness and/or death of a loved one bring, we offer the following information and suggestions:

• At the time of serious illness of a loved one, call the Funeral and Bereavement Ministry at the parish office at (619) 470-1977 so that one of our priests may come to the hospital or your home to administer the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.  Additionally, if you desire, a staff person or volunteer can provide you with guidance and counseling.
• When a death occurs call the funeral home and make an appointment to arrange the funeral services: wake, vigil service, funeral mass and committal. Usually, the funeral home calls the Funeral and Bereavement Ministry Office of St. Michael while you are at the funeral home to make arrangements for the use of the church and for the services of a priest or a layperson who will preside at the vigil service, for the services of a priest who will preside at the funeral mass and the committal.  Preliminary information about the deceased and the family is obtained at this time by the funeral coordinator.

For more information, please contact Resfina Torrevillas at (619) 470-1977, or by email at rtorrevillas@stmichaelsandiego.org.