GRIEF MINISTRY
St. Benedict Grief Ministry ([email protected])
This ministry was formed to support those who are mourning the loss of a loved one and to provide an area of service for parishioners who feel called to provide grief support for others. Regardless of which group you find yourself in, we encourage you to read about this ministry and then contact Mary Helen Gammon (843-345-9776) or Jane Talbot (843-442-3371) by phone or through the ministry email ([email protected]). We are here to listen, answer questions, and share the various support options within the ministry. Your contact is not a commitment to participate, simply information gathering.
What is a Grief Ministry?
Grief Ministry is a way of serving others by offering loving support and comfort at times of loss. Grief is a natural response to loss of a loved one that can be manifest in many ways. Grief ministers offer their gifts of time, talent, and experience to support others in a variety of ways.
Are you looking for PRAYER support?
Our PRAYER team prays independently and as a group for all our deceased and those who grieve their loss. They pray daily and join in a rosary on the third Monday of each month at 12 noon. All are welcome to pray with us and to request prayer for specific persons. Use the ministry email to express your interest and you’ll be put in touch with the Prayer Team leader.
Are you looking for a listener who can connect on a one-to-one basis?
Our COMPANION/VISITOR team has informed, non-judgmental companions available to walk beside a griever. Sometimes when grieving we might not want to share emotions, doubts or worries with close family and friends. It is never too late to ask for the support of a companion or to train to become a companion.
Are you looking for information to help you understand the grief process?
Our EDUCATION team has a collection of resources in the form of recommended brochures, books, websites to help answer questions about grief and mourning. At times, we sponsor speakers on topics related to the grief process. Reach out through the ministry email and let us help you find some answers. If you are drawn to this topic and would like to research and help us collect materials, we’d like to hear from you. Continue reading to find basic suggested resources – books and websites further down on this site.
Are you looking for a SUPPORT GROUP setting?
Sometimes joining with other grievers and trained, caring leaders provides needed support during a time of loss. Our SUPPORT GROUP team uses approved materials to guide groups in this effort to listen and support one another. We value confidentiality in all that we do. Groups form a few times per year guided by the expressed needs of the parish.
Do you have talents in the areas of COMMUNICATIONS or TECHNOLOGY?
Contact us to talk about this team as we look to build a group who can help us spread the word through all media about the support offered by our Grief Ministry at St Benedict Catholic Church. We hope you will contact us to talk about and share both needs and ideas for this ministry.
RESOURCES
BOOKS TO READ
Understanding Your Grief: Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope
And Healing Your Heart
by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D
ISBN: 978-1-879651-35-7
Gentle Keeping: Prayers and Services for Remembering Departed Loved Ones Throughout the Year
by Mauryeen O’Brien, O.P.
ISBN: 978-1-59471-130-5
When Someone Dies: A Child-Caregiver Activity Book
by the National Alliance for Grieving Children
ISBN: 978-0-9963804-0-9
Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing After Loss
by Pat Schwiebert & Chuck DeKlyen
ISBN: 0-9615197-6-2
The Wilderness of Suicide Grief: Finding Your Way
by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.
ISBN: 978-1-879651-68-5
An Empty Cradle, A Full Heart: Reflections for Mothers and Fathers after Miscarriage, Stillbirth or Infant Death
by Christine O’Keeffe Lafser
ISBN: 13-978-0829411737
WEBSITES TO EXPLORE
www.phillycatholiclife.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/
A listing of grief-related websites, books and articles compiled by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
www.ascensioncatholic.net/Dealing-with-the-Loss-of-a-Loved-One
A discussion of the challenges of grief, important things to remember about the process, and helpful things to do
www.avemariapress.com/topic/Death-and-Dying
Offers books and bereavement resources
Source for helpful articles, books and resources
National Alliance for Grieving Children
LOSS – Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide
Contact Emily Tegenkamp at [email protected]
