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The mission of the Bereavement Support Group is to walk with and witness to the bereaved in a pastoral sense during the painful and confusing time surrounding the loss of a loved one. We consider it crucial to create an atmosphere that is respectful, compassionate, non-judgemental and understanding of how individualized the grieving process is. Our objective is to provide a safe place in which those who are grieving the death of a loved one can work toward healing through peer ministry, which recognizes the experience of death to be our common denominator.
UPDATE 2024: Unfortunately, St. Matthias does not currently have an active group. Please call Deacon Doug Peltak 508-460-9255x103 to make an individual appointment to discuss any needs you have at this time.
You may find additional resources here at the Archdiocese of Boston: Click Here. -
A ReflectionOur parishioner and friend Alice Morreale is nearing the end of her time on earth. In conversations with Deacon Doug she has been able to share reflections upon her journey through life and her final journey home to God. After hearing Deacon Doug speak about his time with Alice, I invited her, through this bulletin article, to share some thoughts with our parish community.
For so many people, death is a most uncomfortable topic. Yet, as believers, we have faith that death is not an end, but a transition to being with God, face to face forever. Our friend Alice has articulated this beautifully within her reflection. Please pray for Alice and for all who are journeying home to God. Fr. FranMy Celebration of Life
by
Alice Ann Morreale (11/13/1925-12/29/2015)
Written 9/23/2015By age fifty, I would dare say that most of us have wondered about how and when we will die. Death is, for the most part, unpredictable. It comes to individuals in many different ways. Sometimes it comes on quickly without warning, sometimes slowly and painfully, but sometimes advancing slowly without too much discomfort and with full faculties mostly intact.
So far God has shown me his blessing by putting me in that last category. And what is more beautiful, he has given me the grace to accept the fact that I shall die soon and the opportunity to have a part in planning the celebration of the life I am leaving and the new spiritual life ahead.
Strangely, I feel upbeat, even happy, in being able to help make plans for the final services, those that will mark my journey from this earth to the place in Heaven that God has prepared for me. All of this has left me, not with feelings of regret and sadness, but with feeling of fulfillment, comfort, and even joy. I know there are those, even in my own family, who have difficulty with this point of view, and I want them to know that it is not that I desire to leave them and this life. It is simply my turn to go. In reality, my positive feelings are making this cross easier for me to bear; it is also making it easier for them. If, indeed, we believe what the Lord has revealed to us by his dying on the cross and his rising from the dead, why then should we be afraid to join Him in the new life he has promised?
Fr. Fran has offered my family the use of the church for the wake, and of course the Mass will be celebrated at St. Matthias as well. Most of the sacred hymns I have chosen were composed by our Pastor, Fr. Fran. They will be sung by Judy McManus and the Choir.
Deacon Doug is visiting me weekly, bringing with him the Holy Eucharist, and spending much of his time in helping me to understand and cope with the many emotional and spiritual end-of-life issues. And he has been there with suggestions for the music and readings for the Mass.
I want to thank Fr. Fran for giving me the opportunity to help plan these services, the Choir members for lending me their voices, and especially Deacon Doug for helping me to travel comfortably and with great hope and anticipation on the road Home to God.