Deacon Al Valles has a window on how hard it can be for parish priests these days. In one of his first days as a deacon, he received four calls --- one from a mortuary --- from families who needed spiritual assistance because of the death of a loved one.

"We know our parish is grateful that we can be with them in these times," says Valles. "And it gives us joy to know that we are helping our parish priest who can't be everywhere at the same time."

Indeed, the Bereavement Ministry at St. Louise de Marillac Church in Covina has held hands, listened and comforted those who have experienced the loss of a parent, a grandparent, a child, a close friend.

The program had been around for many years, started by a group of religious sisters at the parish. But when the sisters left, the program seemed to fall by the wayside --- until parishioners took up the ministry again about a year and a half ago.

Valles oversees a group of about 25 involved parishioners --- including Rob Auten, Jackie Philpson and 85-year-old Kay Baker --- who make and keep in contact with those who have experienced a death in the family.

Once the call comes in, bereavement minister/parishioners invite the family down to the parish center, helping them make funeral arrangements. In the process, they learn more about the deceased and their family and friends. Bereavement ministers are there at the vigil, the rosary and even at the gravesite.

Currently, a support group is forming at the parish so that those grieving can work out and have a safe place to adjust and deal with their loss. "We've had a couple of gatherings already," says Valles. "This can be a place of healing for many."

Calling the ministry, "joy-filled," Valles stresses that this ministry works only because of the enthusiasm and dedication of the parishioners. "I may be facilitating, but they are doing the work," he says.

Valles hopes that other parishes consider creating similar programs. "The need and the response is there; from the moment I put out notices, people were contacting me," he says. "Recognize the need and the rest will follow."

To learn more about the bereavement ministry at St. Louise, call (626) 915-7873 or e-mail Valles at deacon@stlouisedm.org.