BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY: Offering Essential Support in Times of Grief and Need

For those who have experienced great loss, difficult life events, or traumatic situations, finding comfort and support within the Church is a ray of light amidst the darkness of grief. People who find themselves grieving are often searching for answers, understanding, and healing. The search for the understanding of Christian suffering is one that every person experiences on their journey in this life. It is part of our journey in our relationship with Christ and part of our road to heaven. The answers to the question of why suffering exists can only be found in God. Those in the Bereavement Ministry hope and pray that by providing support and a safe place to be with others who are also grieving, they can give comfort to those who seek it.

Deacon John Nelson Sr. and his wife, Raquel, are part of this ministry that is working to assist those who may need this support.

"As a deacon, I see a lot of people who are hurting for various reasons," he says. "We are all human — we are all broken and in need of help from others. We are called to be Christ and help others through their journeys in certain ways."

Ministry members Colleen Royer and Kathy Kenst both participated in a course to learn more about comforting others and facilitating a support group.

“After experiencing loss within my own family, I thought it would be nice to have a support group at the parish," Kathy says. "We hope to have a ministry that would reach out to families that are experiencing loss. I have been a part of other more secular support groups, but I really feel that it is important to have God at the center. I don’t know how I would get through without God.”

Colleen had led a support group at a parish where she was previously a member. So taking this course was a great opportunity for her to be able to continue to provide the love and support that she hopes will help make others’ journeys a little bit easier.

“Listening and just being there with others is really the most important part of a support group,” she says.

The group uses a daily meditation book that includes prayer and time for discussion and reflection.

While this falls under the Bereavement Ministry, they really want to emphasize that this is a grief support group.

“There are many types of grief,” Deacon John says. “There is grief from the death of a loved one, grief as relationships end, or grief as we experience various difficulties in this life, just to name a few. This group is here to support you no matter what type of grief you are experiencing. We are really hoping people understand that they are welcome no matter what their circumstances are.”

"There is no commitment," Colleen adds. "Walk over and join us. All are welcome and wanted. It is a prayerful time to be among others who are also grieving. We listen and reflect. It is a healing, comforting and loving gathering."

Currently, the group's primary is to provide the support group though, eventually, they would like to start providing other supports, as well such as being involved in the All Souls Day Mass, having members of the ministry attend funeral Masses within the parish, and making phone calls to reach out to those who are grieving. Other ministries within the parish currently provide support to those who have experienced loss in other ways, such as by sending cards. They hope in the future to bring all of these together to give comprehensive support and care to parishioners who are experiencing difficult times. Any parishioners who are interested in being a part of the ministry in this capacity as they grow are encouraged to reach out to learn more information.

The support group meets on the fourth Sunday of each month at 12 p.m. The meeting is located in room 104. If you would like more information, or to get involved in this ministry, please contact Colleen Royer at the parish office 440-942-4500.

Colleen Royer, Kathy Kenst, Raquel Nelson, Deacon John V. Nelson Sr.