Head of bereavement ministry says loss a 'universal experience'

Published: 2005-07-21

ST. LOUIS (CNS) -- For almost three decades, Sister Mary Ann Wachtel has been reaching out to people who have experienced some form of loss. She believes bereavement ministry applies to everybody. "There is no one in this universe who hasn't experienced loss," said Sister Mary Ann, a member of the Sisters for Christian Community. Loss is "a universal experience," she added. Her work has included ministering to those involved in hospice as well as teaching others who are in bereavement ministry. Today, she is the executive director of the National Catholic Ministry to the Bereaved, which offers pastoral and spiritual support to the bereaved, caregivers, agencies, congregations, dioceses and others through education and resources. The ministry moved its headquarters to St. Louis from Cleveland a year ago.

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