“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.”
Psalm 34:18

A Catholic wake service—also called the Vigil for the Deceased—is the gentle, prayerful beginning of the Church’s farewell. Usually held at the funeral home on the afternoon or evening before the Mas of the Resurrection (or Funeral Mass), it creates a sacred space for family and friends to gather, remember, and support one another.

Through Scripture, quiet prayer, intercessions, the family and friends surround the grieving with compassion and hope. Above all, the Vigil entrusts the one we love to God’s tender care and invites everyone present to rest in the promise of Christ’s mercy and peace.

If you feel called to offer comfort, prayer, and a reassuring presence to families in their time of grief, we warmly invite you to consider serving in our Vigil Ministry. Ministers lead the Vigil for the Deceased, which involves reading the scriptures and prayers of our Catholic liturgy and sharing some words about the deceased. Consolation Ministry members will offer background information after they have spoken with the family.

The Vigil Ministry is a beautiful way to accompany others with kindness and faith. Our parish will provide you with training and support, so that you will never have to serve alone. If you would like to learn more or feel drawn to this quiet but meaningful work, please contact Deacon Mark at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Your presence could be a true blessing to a family in need of peace.