Ministers of Consolation at St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish are trained lay people who comfort and assist our parish families following the death of a loved one. They assist with planning the funeral liturgy that includes choosing scripture readings and hymns and suggest ways in which the family can be a part of the liturgy. They represent the St. Giles parish community at wakes, act as resource persons for support groups, and are available to be a listening ear to those who are grieving.

The Ministry of Consolation is open to any parishioner who is interested in offering consolation and support to those who are mourning the death of a loved one. Training is required and is provided by the Archdiocese.

Our parish receives many funerals during the year. We are in need of more people to serve as Ministers of Consolation. It takes a person of faith and compassion and the ability for team work. It is most importantly a ministry of companionship with the grieving family to help them with the arrangements and the communications with the priest and music director.

For more information, please contact Sue Kaszynski, St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish Director of Music and Liturgy, at (708) 383-3430 ext. 423 or at [email protected].

“Blessed are those who mourn, they shall be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4

Help and Encouragement after Death of a Spouse, Child, Family Member, or Friend.

St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish sponsors a GriefShare program, a special support group for people dealing with the loss of a family member or a dear friend. At this GriefShare group, you’ll find understanding, guidance, relief, and a safe place to navigate the challenges of grief. We invite you to consider joining us for the next 13-Session Program on Tuesdays from September 16 through December 9, 2025, at St. Giles Campus in McDonough Hall, 1101 Columbian Avenue in Oak Park, IL 60302.

GriefShare recovery is a Christ-centered support group where a caring group of people walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone. It is designed for people grieving the death of a loved one, a family member or friend.

The program consists of 13 sessions and utilizes videos, group discussion, and a personal workbook. The focus is to assist you to begin to gain closure in your loss. Often it is hard to move on in life when dealing with the grief and emptiness that happens after a loved one dies. The program is designed to help you go through a healthy season of grieving, and then begin transitioning to a new emotional and spiritual wholeness.

If you have questions or would like more information about GriefShare, please contact Geri Tapling at (708) 223-4912 or [email protected].

> GriefShare Website