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When a loved one or close friend dies, there are many practical matters to deal with – giving notice of death, funeral arrangements, and all manner of things that are very emotional and sometimes quite jarringly 'clinical'. More often than not, you're shell-shocked, not quite yourself. It's a very difficult time.

At the Catholic parish of Our Lady Star of the Sea in Whitley Bay near Newcastle, they have developed something special: a Consolation Team that walks alongside grieving families during one of life's most challenging moments.

For this 'Art of Dying Well' podcast, we talk to parish priest Monsignor Andrew Faley whose primary concern is to best meet the needs of his parishioners at this difficult time. He is very collaborative with the lay people in his community and sidesteps the common approach of "Leave it to Father" when it comes to funeral planning and accompaniment.

The Consolation Team grew naturally from the parish's pastoral care work, and we're delighted to be able to talk to two skilled parishioners from the team who work closely with Fr Andrew - Joe and Pauline.

Parishioners tend to have been in parishes rather longer than priests, and relationships have often built up which can be very helpful in supporting grieving families.