No family escapes the certainty of death and grieving is an expected reality with the human condition. Even for those who hope in the resurrection, grief is often a traumatic experience. The severity and length of time one grieves is different for each person, but psychologists tell us that grief includes several stages which are a healthy and necessary path to healing. Understanding these stages and progressing through them with grace, prayer and accompaniment will strengthen us as we continue the journey of faith. Grief ministry in the Church provides hope and healing. Many of our diocesan pastorates have existing grief ministries. Check with your local pastorate to join or start a bereavement ministry in your area.

Resources
Seasons of Hope Series (Bereavement Ministry Guide Book / Participant Journals)
A Parish Guide for Bereavement Ministry and Funeral Planning (Book)
 

Miscarriage / Still Born / Loss of a Child

An unexpected death of any loved one or friend can be difficult, but mourning associated with the loss of a child can be particularly painful. While there are common experiences between all people that are grieving, when parents lose a child, a moment of great promise can become a moment of intense suffering. Bereavement ministries exist that specialize in grieving for those who have lost a child.

Resources
Red Bird Ministries (small group resources for loss of a child from pregnancy to adulthood)
A Mom's Peace (a ministry for women who experience miscarriage or stillborn souls)
Grieving Dads (a book and workbook for individuals / groups)
Grieving Together (a book for couples)
Empty Cradle Broken Heart - Surviving the Death of your Baby (book)
Blessed is the Fruit of Thy Womb (book with Rosary reflections on miscarriage / stillborn)
 

Loss to Suicide

The loss of someone to suicide is probably the most challenging form of grief. Beyond just suffering the loss, individuals often experience additional grief due to concerns about the moral / eternal implications and knowledge of the intense suffering which led to the decision to take one’s life. Unfortunately, death by suicide is growing at an alarming rate in our present culture. Participating in grief ministry with a specific focus on suicide provides healing associated with general grief, but also features reflections and discussions on subject matter that often clears up misconceptions about the Church’s teaching regarding suicide.

Resources
After Suicide-There is Hope for Them and for You (book)
When a Loved One Dies by Suicide (book)
Responding to Suicide (a pastoral guidebook for Catholic leaders)
 

Post-Abortion Healing

The loss of a child due to abortion is a particularly challenging form of grief. The experience of loss may not surface until many years later, but the sense of guilt and perceived stigma associated with such a loss can be overwhelming, paralyzing and isolating. Our culture has contributed greatly to the number of people who have experienced this wound. The Church is a source of reconciliation and healing. Christ offers forgiveness and a new life of conversion. For those who have had an abortion or for those who have supported another having abortion, the Church has effective and discreet ministries to heal and mend this painful wound.

Resources
Project Rachel - Hope after Abortion
Project Rachel Local Chapter (Kathy Lehe (765) 414-3072 [email protected] / Elsa Zamora (Español) (765) 701-0620)
Rachel's Vineyard (ministry / retreats for post-abortion healing)
Men and Abortion - Finding Healing, Restoring Hope (book)