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   Bereavement Ministry

Bereavement Ministry

“Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.” 

– Matthew 5:4

Losing someone you love is one of life’s most difficult experiences. Grief can feel overwhelming, and each person’s journey through it is unique. In the midst of sorrow, it is important to know that you can turn to their parish community. We are here to support this ministry and their leaders as they walk with the grieving in your parish community. If you are interested in creating a Bereavement Ministry at your parish, please contact us.

The New Day Ministry is a faith-based, small-group support program facilitated by trained volunteers who accompany fellow parishioners on their journey from grief to healing. A structured program, which includes prayer, scripture readings, journaling, and sharing responses to directed questions in a confidential setting. It is based on The New Day Journal, by Mauryeen O’Brien, O.P., and has been used by the Archdiocese of Hartford for over 25 years. If you are interested in creating a New Day Bereavement Ministry in your parish, please contact Valerie St. Jean. Trainings will be held twice a year, if needed.

Below are some other resources to help support your parish Bereavement Ministries:

  • Red Bird Ministries

  • Emmaus Ministry
    for Grieving Parents

  • Catholic Cemeteries Association
    Archdiocese of Hartford

Catholic Cemeteries Association of the Archdiocese of Hartford

Catholic Cemeteries Association is an ecclesiastical nonprofit corporation whose primary purpose is to serve the burial needs of all Catholics in accordance with Canon Law. The Association operates and manages 30 cemeteries within the Hartford, Litchfield, and New Haven counties of the Archdiocese of Hartford. For Catholics, the rites and traditions of Christian burial are understood to reflect our faith in the resurrection and everlasting live. Visit their website.

Red Bird Ministries 

A non-profit, Catholic grief support ministry serving individuals and couples who have experienced the loss of a child from pregnancy through adulthood. The organization was formed to help people understand grief, how to navigate through it, and most crucially, how to begin the healing process. Visit their website to find: In-person Support Groups, Workshops and an Online Community.

Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents

A loss recovery program that believes there is no healing without God. Since its inception, this ministry has helped participants initiate, regain, and/or reinvigorate their relationship with God, and so begin their healing process. Just as Jesus comforted His grieving disciples on the road to Emmaus, Jesus comforts us and we comfort each other in this very special ministry. The programs are offered by Emmaus Parent Companions working together with Catholic Clergy, Deacons, Pastoral Associates, and Spiritual Directors.

Upcoming Trainings and Events

New Day Journal – Facilitator Training – This workshop is for parish volunteers who wish to become facilitators for existing parish bereavement support groups or for those who would like to start a ministry in their parish. Participants will explore the many faces of loss & grief, how to guide group discussions, and receive practical direction for managing and supporting a group process. This workshop specifically addresses how to use The New Day Journal, by Mauyreen O’Brien, O.P. New Day is a structured program, which includes prayer, scripture readings, journaling, and sharing responses to directed questions in a confidential setting. Classes sessions will be held on-line, twice a year, in the spring and fall. Each session will meet for 90 minutes, over a four-week period.  Email Valerie.Stjean@aohct.org for more information.

The Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents One Day Spiritual Retreat – Volunteers are needed to help plan and organize a retreat day in the Hartford area. The Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents serves the spiritual needs of grieving parents whose children of any age have died by any cause. The ministry does not provide therapy or function as a support group. It does create a safe and sacred space for parents to “undress their hearts” before God and others who know and feel their pain. To learn more, please visit the Emmaus Ministry website. If your parish bereavement ministry is interested in supporting this event, please contact Valerie St. Jean for more information.