COMMUNITY and SERVICE MINISTRIES
The Works of Mercy, by the Master of Alkmaar made for the Church of Saint Lawrence in Alkmaar, Netherlands. The wooden panels show the works of mercy in this order: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, bury the dead, shelter the traveler, comfort the sick, and free the imprisoned. Circa 1504.
Grief Support
For more information about or to join this ministry, call the Parish Office (335-2385),
or view the bulletin to find the date and time to attend the next meeting.
or view the bulletin to find the date and time to attend the next meeting.
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In working through the grief process, if you have encountered or are encountering some difficult times, Holy Family has a Grief Support Group. Perhaps in sharing your grief or by listening to others, your grief will become a little easier to handle. The group also plans and coordinates a Memorial Service each November for all families of parishioners who have died. This ministry gathers on Thursdays at 1:30 pm in the Community Room inside the Parish Hall.
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Dearest Jesus,
who wept at the death of your friend and taught that they who mourn shall be comforted, grant us the comfort of your presence in our loss. Send Your Holy Spirit to direct us lest, we make hasty or foolish decisions. Send Your Spirit to give us courage, lest through fear we recoil from living. Send Your Spirit to bring us your peace, lest bitterness, false guilt, or regret take root in our hearts. The Lord has given. The Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Amen. O sweet mother Mary, who knew the sadness of mourning those your heart loved most, Jesus, your Son, and Joseph, your devoted spouse, pray for us in our time of loss. Amen. Copied from catholic.org
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The Holy Family Grief Support Group was formed in 1999 under the leadership of Nancy Gruber and Marion Mackenzie. This parish ministry is for any and all who are grieving the loss of a loved one, no matter how recent or how long ago. Please consider this invitation for yourself or extend this invitation to another who is suffering loss. All are welcome.
The goals are:
The guidelines being:
There are no restrictions as to who can participate.
Everyone (male and female) is welcome to an atmosphere of compassion, caring and love -- where...there is no limit to hugs.
The goals are:
- to provide grief support to all those suffering from loss of a loved one.
- to share feelings and experiences with others so as to not feel isolated or alone.
- to provide a place to vent concerns and feelings in a safe environment where confidentiality is honored.
The guidelines being:
- Sharing is encouraged but is not required until such time as one feels ready to do so.
- Everyone shares commonality so expressing feeling, experiences, tears, asking questions or merely listening is allowed.
- It is important that everyone has a chance to express themselves or offer helpful hints.
- Crying is a human instinct, a normal and healthy response to loss. We don't choose when or where to cry.
- Coping with the death of a loved one is one of life's most difficult challenges. It is important to be gentle and kind to yourself.
- It is hoped, over time, that achieving the diminishing of grief will lessen and there will be brief periods of well being. With more time, these moments occur more often and last longer.
There are no restrictions as to who can participate.
Everyone (male and female) is welcome to an atmosphere of compassion, caring and love -- where...there is no limit to hugs.
Prayers
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Losing a spouse is devastating – plain and simple. The lack of control and utter helplessness, the finality of death, the feelings of hopelessness, the minutes that feel like days.
Holy Family's Grief Support Group is a ministry that stands with you during this difficult time. |
O heavenly Father, I am now in the shadow of great loneliness. My helpmate has been taken from me. Yet I submit in holy faith to Your divine will. I know that You love my spouse who, I pray, is now in heaven rejoicing with You. Grant me the strength I need to bear my present burdens, and help me to look for opportunities to seek out those less fortunate then myself. Keep me from feeling sorry for myself in my present condition, and keep my heart enflamed with love for You and for my neighbor, so that I can help to carry on Your work of love in this world. May I one day be reunited with my beloved spouse in heaven, where we both can worship You for all eternity. Amen.
Copied from youmattered.com
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