A Ministry of Consolation

This book calls the Christian community to a new understanding of its role upon the death of its members. It explains why and how members of a parish Ministry of Consolation should be involved before, during, and after each of the key liturgical moments in the Funeral Rites: the Vigil Service, the Funeral Mass, and the Rite of Committal. Beginning from a discussion of the mystery of Christian death and moving to a renewed understanding of the role of the entire community in the Funeral Rites, this book gives practical, concrete, step-by-step instructions for beginning a parish Ministry of Consolation centered around the Order of Christian Funerals.