Bereavement Support Group began in our parish in 2001. It is offered to people who experience the loss of a loved one to provide support during a most difficult and painful time. Meetings are guided by a facilitator trained by the New York Archdiocese.

While the promise of our faith is our source of hope and consolation, it does not take away the pain of loss when a loved one dies. There’re ways to help lessen the pain through understanding that grief is important and while that may not alleviate the pain it can help to tolerate it. Members who attend our meetings are welcomed in a caring, compassionate and respectful atmosphere as they walk through their journey of grief.

Meetings open with prayer. Members seated around a table, introduce themselves, share their story and even tears, talk about their feelings, their relationship and especially their loved ones. Some time members are given support and other times they’re receiving it. Often the support that means the most is when they simply listen to one another and hear others express the same feelings.

Bereavement Support Group meets in spring and in fall in the church hall for four consecutive weeks. Information on the date of meetings will be found in the church bulletin two weeks before and people sign up by calling the rectory. A Memorial Mass is celebrated at the end of each session and is offered for member’s deceased loved ones and for the deceased of the parish family. All are welcome.