"We are called to comfort those who mourn..."

When someone we love dies, this will impact our lives in ways which are unique to each of us. Grief hurts and each of us experiences that grief differently. However, our feelings, fears and struggles are ones that are shared by many. Our individual grief journey is one that is unpredictable; it is normal and is a natural response to tremendous loss in our lives.

Initially we may feel "numb". Our grief will affect us mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally and socially. It can erode any sense of balance we may have. It becomes difficult to cope with the world we thought we knew - even God may feel very far away, inaccessible and distant.

As fellow parishioners there are several of us who have walked ~ and continue to walk ~ this grief journey. We are here to share some time with you, either by phone or in person, on a one-to-one basis in your early bereavement period. If you ~ or one of your family or friends ~ wish to spend time with one of us, you can share as much or as little of your experiences and feelings as you wish - knowing that it is a safe place to do so with complete confidentiality.

Later in your grief journey you are welcome to join with others in a Good Grief Support Group which is offered at the Parish. These groups are designed to provide understanding of the grief process with others who are experiencing their own unique journey to healing as well. A nurturing and caring community evolves as we are strengthened by the support of others and, in turn, we give strength back. We learn from others and others learn from us. While grief is individual and a deeply painful experience, it can also be a shared path to wholeness through the comforting awareness of God's abundant omnipresent love for each one of us.

You may call the Church office to access our Bereavement Ministry.