Prayer @ Wake Ministry
"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died."
1 Thessalonians 4:13–14
About Our Ministry
The Prayer @ Wake Ministry was formed in 2002 to be the presence of Christ and His Church to bereaved families. We are called not only to pray for the souls of the departed, but also to bring comfort, consolation, and hope to their loved ones.
We see ourselves as disciples of Christ—not just volunteers. Our mission is to evangelise through prayer and presence, offering God’s love, mercy, and compassion to those who mourn. In this way, we strive to be a community of joyful followers of Christ, witnessing to the promise of eternal life.
Our Call to Prayerful Service
As members of this ministry, we commit ourselves to serving with faithfulness and reverence:
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Praying at Wakes – We gather to intercede for the deceased, entrusting them to God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness.
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Accompanying Families – We offer consolation and a compassionate presence to the bereaved, walking with them in their grief.
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Funeral Support – Members assist at funeral Masses and crematorium services, helping families honour their loved ones with dignity (optional for working members).
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Community Life – We meet monthly to pray, give thanks for the gift of life, and strengthen our fellowship as a Christ-centered community.
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Service to the Parish – We give our support when called upon for other parish duties, always ready to be instruments of God’s comfort.
Motto: “The dead cannot wait.”
Come Serve With Us
The call to serve in this ministry is a sacred one: to be Christ’s compassionate presence in times of grief, and to pray for those who have gone before us. If you feel moved to join us in this mission of prayer and consolation, we warmly invite you to discern with us.
For wake or funeral arrangements, please contact the Parish Office.
Please note that the Church of St Bernadette does not have a wake parlour.