BEREAVEMENT

The Bereavement Groups supports parishioners and others who are grieving a death. Names are received through the rectory or mentioned to a facilitator of a bereavement support group.

Bereavement support groups are held twice a year in the Spring and Fall. Each runs for eight weeks on Monday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in the Rectory Meeting Room. Check the Parish Bulletin in March for the start of the Spring dates and September for the start of the Fall dates.

Each meeting begins with new grief topics giving the bereaved an opportunity to speak about his/her loss. Various topics are presented by the facilitators in a safe, confidential setting. Some of the topics include "Crazy Is Normal", "Understanding the Stages of Grief", and "How to Handle the Holidays".

The support group is peer ministry not therapy, where five or more participants gather to learn about the grieving process and how to cope with their losses. The "miracle of the support group" unfolds as the members bond through sharing their stories within the level of their individual comfort. Members are encouraged to contact one another and the facilitators are available to take a call should the need arise. Bereavement Care notes is provided by the group in the back of the church.

The facilitator strengths are compassion, understanding and support for those grieving, and years of experience as facilitators for support groups.

For more information contact one of the facilitators listed below:

Barbara Wutzer, 215-355-8897 or email barbnjohnw@gmail.com.

Rosemary Blanche, 215-499-3411, email, Goldenrose31@msn.com.