Bereavement

We all grieve differently, and men and women will grieve in their own unique way. In addition, there is no “normal” time period for someone to grieve. YOUR GRIEF JOURNEY IS YOUR OWN. Come join us to talk about your experience at the MMR/St. Stan’s Bereavement Support Group on Thursday, October 13, 2022.

• Morning session at MMR from 10-11:30am in the Matthew Walsh room.
• Evening session at St. Stanislaus from 7-8:30pm in the Parish center. 

Pre-registration is appreciated: 215-646-4192 or email mary_coakley@yahoo.com.

Bereavement Support Group Meeting - November 10, 2022

Understanding the Process of Grief. Although grieving is an individual, unique experience, there are common reactions during the grief process—from sadness to anger, from numbness to pain, from guilt to fear. It can be helpful to hear what you can expect as you go through the months and years following a loss. Come join us at the MMR/St. Stan’s Bereavement Support Group on Thursday, November 10, 2022. 

• Morning session at MMR from 10-11:30am in the Matthew Walsh room.
• Evening session at St. Stanislaus from 7-8:30pm in the Parish center. 

Pre-registration is appreciated: 215-646-4192 or email mary_coakley@yahoo.com.

Bereavement Support Group Meeting - December 8, 2022

For those who’ve recently lost someone they love, the holidays can seem more like something to survive than to enjoy. The traditions and events that can add so much joy and meaning to the season are punctuated with painful reminders of the person you love who is not here to share in it. You may wish you could find a quiet place to hide until January. On Thursday December 8, 2022, the bereavement ministries of MMR and St. Stanislaus will meet to discuss ways of preparing for and coping with the upcoming holiday season.

• Morning session at MMR from 10-11:30am in the Matthew Walsh room.
• Evening session at St. Stanislaus from 7-8:30pm in the Parish center. 

Pre-registration is appreciated: 215-646-4192 or email mary_coakley@yahoo.com.

Tips for Supporting Someone Grieving During the Holidays

1. Be supportive of the way the person chooses to handle the holidays. Some may wish to follow traditions; others may choose to avoid customs of the past and do something new. It’s okay to do things differently.
2. Invite the person to join you or your family during the holidays. You might invite them to join you for a religious service or at a holiday meal where they are a guest.
3. Donate a gift or money in memory of the person’s loved one. Remind the person that his or her loved one is not forgotten.
4. Never tell someone that he or she should be “over it.”  Instead, give the person hope that, eventually, he or she will enjoy the holidays again.
5. Be willing to listen.  Active listening from friends and family is an important step to helping some cope with grief and heal.
6. Remind the person that you are thinking of him or her and the loved one who died. Cards, phone calls and visits are great ways to stay in touch.
7. Follow up after the holidays to check in.  Given the activity of the season, some people may make it through the holidays without any issues but they might find the post-holiday period to be more difficult. So checking in after the holidays to see how he or she may be doing is helpful.

Christmas Reflection - December 25. 2022

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below 
With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow 
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tear 
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. 
I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear 
But the sounds of music can't compare 
with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring, 
For it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart 
But I am not so far away, we really aren't apart.
So be happy for me, dear ones, you know I hold you dear. 
And be glad I'm spending Christmas 
with Jesus Christ this year.
(Attributed to Wanda Bencke)

The Bereavement Ministry of MMR and St. Stanislaus (Upcoming 2023 dates)

The death of someone important to you—whether it is a spouse, a parent, a sibling, a friend, or a child—is a difficult and highly emotional experience.  Your grief journey can be overwhelming or even confusing at times. The Bereavement Ministry of Mary, Mother of the Redeemer, in conjunction with St. Stanislaus Parish, is here to help you, guide you, and prayerfully support you as you heal. 

On the second Thursday of each month, there is a general support group meeting offered at the two parishes.  There is a morning session offered at MMR from 10 to 11:30, and an evening session offered at St. Stanislaus from 7 to 8:30.  These sessions are structured with a particular topic presented by trained facilitators, followed by group sharing and discussion.  Bereaved adults are welcome to attend any or all meetings. 

The next few topics and dates are listed below.

• JAN 12, 2023: Moving Ahead in the New Year when You Don’t Want to Move at All.
• FEB  09, 2023: Surviving Stress and Loneliness
• MAR 09, 2023: Feelings of Denial, Bargaining, and Guilt
• APR 13, 2023: Feelings of Anger and Depression
• MAY 11, 2023: Connecting with God through Grief

These groups are offered to all, parishioners and non-parishioners, Catholic and non-Catholic, with no fee and with no pre-registration necessary. If you are unable to attend the group, but are in need of support, our ministry can also offer one-to-one, compassionate listening.  For more information or questions, call Mary Coakley at 215-646-4192.