Empathy in Action: Join Our Upcoming Bereavement Support Training

The Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries Ministry of Consolation is proud to announce the launch of an 8-week Bereavement Training Program designed to strengthen parish ministry by providing comprehensive training and support to those seeking to assist with bereavement ministry and parish funerals.

This program is designed to equip participants with comprehensive skills and knowledge to offer compassionate and practical support to grieving families and individuals within their parish communities. The training will cover various aspects of bereavement ministry, including emotional support, funeral planning, and pastoral care, ensuring that participants are well-prepared to serve their communities during times of loss.

The Bereavement Training Program, sponsored by the Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, is a testament to our unwavering commitment to supporting parish ministries and enhancing the quality of care provided to bereaved families.

MaryAnn McAdams, who brings over 35 years of experience with Catholic Cemeteries, heads the program. MaryAnn's extensive expertise and dedication to bereavement ministry will provide invaluable insights and guidance to participants, ensuring a rich and impactful learning experience. Additionally, the program will feature speakers, including Anne Hansen, who will contribute her knowledge and expertise to the training sessions.

Anne Hansen is currently the Executive Director of Ignatians West. This Jesuit-affiliated ministry places mature adults into volunteer positions with nonprofits that assist people who are poor or marginalized. Before this position, Anne was involved with many ministries in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, including the Bereavement Ministry. For over 20 years, she wrote "Family Time" for the former Los Angeles Catholic newspaper, The Tidings. Anne holds a BA in Psychology from Immaculate Heart College, an M.Ed. in Educational Psychology from California State University, Northridge, and an MA in Pastoral Theology from Loyola Marymount University. A native of Los Angeles, Anne lives in Camarillo, California, with her husband, where they enjoy their five children and nine grandchildren.

Another notable speaker is Fr. Jim Clarke, Ph.D. He currently serves as a consultant for Spiritual and Human Formation for candidates in the Permanent Diaconate and their wives within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Fr. Clarke is also an Associate Spiritual Director at the Cardinal Manning House of Prayer for Priests. With an extensive academic background in Theology, Depth Psychology, Counseling, Education, and Mythology, he is the author of five books and two CD/DVD series. Fr. Clarke is a well-regarded Retreat Director and conference speaker, frequently presenting throughout Southern California and beyond.

The program will feature Sister Carol Quinlivan, a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet. She has extensive experience in educational and pastoral ministries at the parish, regional, and archdiocesan levels. Sister Carol is a Master Catechist and a Certified Retreat and Spiritual Director. She offers opportunities for spiritual formation, group spiritual direction, and pastoral leadership development among staff members. Sister Carol holds a Master of Arts in Religious Studies from Loyola Marymount University and a Ph.D. from Pacifica Graduate Institute.

We are pleased to welcome Deacon Douglas J. Cremer as a speaker. He was ordained as a deacon in the Roman Catholic Church in 2014 and currently serves at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church in Altadena. Since 2017, Douglas has also been a facilitator for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles's Diaconate Formation program. In addition, he has facilitated and coordinated the annual interfaith retreat known as InterSem and has been a member of the Evangelical-Roman Catholic dialogue group since 2020. Douglas is a History and Interdisciplinary Studies Professor at Woodbury University, where he has been teaching for thirty-two years. He previously served as the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Since 1997, Douglas has lived in the Altadena/Pasadena area with his wife, Phyllis, and they have two daughters.

We are also honored to have Brother Richard A. Hirbe, FSP, join us as a speaker. Brother Richard was born and raised in Granada Hills, CA, and is the Founder and Minister General of the Friars of the Sick Poor of Los Angeles (FSP). He holds an MA in Pastoral Counseling at Mount Saint Mary's College, Los Angeles, and is a Board-Certified Chaplain. Brother Richard has a Certification in Medical Ethics from the Pacific Institute for Bioethics. He has been ministering as the Director of Chaplain Services and Ethics at St. Francis Medical Center, Lynwood, for the past 38 years. He is a member of the Archbishop's Pastoral Council - Archdiocese of Los Angeles and is the Co-Founder and past Board Member of Southern California Crossroads Youth Intervention Program.

The program is set to begin soon, and interested individuals are encouraged to register early to secure their spot. This initiative represents a significant step forward in the archdiocese's efforts to provide meaningful support and training to those involved in bereavement ministry, ultimately strengthening the parish community's ability to care for its members during difficult times.

The first series of workshops will commence on May 12, 2025, at the historic San Fernando Mission, located at 15151 San Fernando Mission Blvd., Mission Hills, California. Please note that these sessions are focused on education and skill-building; they are not designed as a support group.

For more information and registration details, please email the Ministry of Consolation at [email protected] or call (213) 637-7838.

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