Ministers of consolation were commissioned at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Aug. 4 after undergoing a 12-hour training program developed by the National Catholic Ministry to the Bereaved and offered locally by Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Chicago. The parish decided it wanted trained consolation ministers as an outgrowth of the Parish Transformation Project. The ministers pray for the deceased and accompany those who mourn for them. The program helps the ministers understand the grief process and how to be a "loving listener." Under guidance of the pastor they can assist the bereaved family, take part in liturgy planning, participate in the vigil service and do whatever is requested by the family or priest. If a priest or deacon isn't available they can accompany families for the committal service at the cemetery. Training is available in English and Spanish. Interested parishes can contact Eva Bustamante at ebustamante@ cathcemchgo.org, (708) 236-5442 or www.catholiccemeterieschicago.org/bereavementministry.php.