St. John's Church Bereavement Team
Grief is a natural response to all losses in life, but the grief experienced after the death of a loved one can be the deepest and most intense pain of all. Grief is intensely personal; it may be chaotic and is often unpredictable and can be all consuming.
WE ARE HERE TO LISTEN AND SUPPORT
At St John’s our bereavement team are Jacqueline Smyth and Darren Perks. As trained bereavement facilitators they are available to support anyone in the parish who is experiencing grief.
What we offer
As a small team we provide support and friendship at a difficult time. We can either speak over the telephone or meet you in person and listen/ facilitate/accompany you on your grief journey. We are also supported by the diocesan deanery bereavement team and if you would prefer, we can put you in touch with them.
We have also organised a number of activities/events that provide another layer of support-
1. A bereavement cafe meeting on the second Saturday of every month from 11am to 12pm in the Church Hall. Here we meet as group to share our thoughts/feelings with each other on a variety of topics in a secure, safe and respectful environment.
2. Once a year a bereavement Mass takes place at St. John’s church to honour and remember our loved ones who have passed away. Usually this takes place in November at the time of remembrance.
3. If you would also like to plan your own funeral, we provide a template for you to be able to do this, which can be left in the Parish Office for loved ones to obtain when it is required.
Contact Us
If you would like any further details on the above, please get in touch with the parish office on 01403 253667 or email - stjhorsham@gmail.com A member of the bereavement team will then contact you using the contact details you have provided. Everything you tell us is confidential.
Planning a Funeral at St. John's
Once you have met with the priest to discuss funeral arrangements there are a number of resources that you can use to help you prepare a funeral order of service -
Click here to download our Funeral Booklet
Click Here to download our Template for a Funeral service with Requiem Mass
Click here to download our Template for a Funeral Service at a Church or Crematorium
Click here to download our Template for My own Funeral Service
Bereavement Cafe