This is a doctoral dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Ministry submitted by Terence P. Curley. His doctorate was awarded form Boston University in 1990. This book contains original research on the needs of the bereaved in a Roman Catholic Parish (Immaculate Conception Parish, Salem, MA.) It also gives valuable insights for the then new Order of Christian Funerals (1989) and it's importance for grief ministry. The author has gone on to write numerous articles stemming in many ways from his research and writing of this dissertation. His works to date have focused on the Ministry of Consolation and the ritual's contribution to the experience of grief in the context of faith.