The Bereavement Hospitality Ministry at Shepherd of the Valley provides nourishment, comfort & support to grieving families and friends following funeral services. 

This ministry is supported solely through donations of food, time and energy and monetary gifts of appreciation.  

The majority of this ministry is done 
(1) over the phone by volunteer callers who contact parishioners for donations of food and help with serving 
(2) in the Parish Hall the day of the funeral where tables are set, donated foods are received and served, and the kitchen is cleaned following the reception.

Every Bereavement Hospitality Minister is person of prayer.

Compassion, friendship and willingness to work closely with others and share responsibilities for the duties involved are key characteristics of members of this ministry.  Calling parishioners for donations of food and assistance, preparing food, and working with other volunteerts to serve refreshments or lunch, welcome guests and setting up a memory table are some of the duties of this ministry.  Although not required, knowledge and experience in planning for , preparing and serving food to small and large groups is helpful. Ongoing training is gained through working together with a team of volunteers in this ministry.  The time commitment varies between two and five hours per funeral (on average, one funeral per month), depending on the type of service provided and the particular duties undertaken.