Heartache to Healing - Grief Support 

MINISTRY TO THOSE GRIEVING THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE, OR A SIGNIFICANT LOSS 

DUE TO COVID-19 AND CURRENT RESTRICTIONS PLEASE CONTACT THE PARISH OFFICE
TO CONFIRM THE NEXT START DATE FOR THE 6 WEEK GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP,
OR TO REQUEST ONE TO ONE SUPPORT.

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Similar to the Mother's Day message, Father's Day is meant as a joyous occasion to celebrate the special man in your life who has shaped our lives. However, it can be difficult for those who have lost a loved one.  Celebrating your loved one on this day is still possible to honor the times you shared together. You may be looking for ways to celebrate your husband, or you and your children are looking for ways to remember their dad, grandfather, uncle, brother, or the many other relationships we have with the special person who shaped our lives.  Here are a few suggestions for how to spend Father's Day.  

1. Plant a Tree/Flowers
The reason planting a tree or perennials is such a great idea is that you'll be able to watch it grow and thrive over a long period of time. It can act as a sort of living memory of the person you loved, providing a comforting reminder of him. 

2. Make His Favorite Meal
Cook your loved one's favorite meal. Pick up some of his favourite ice-cream.  If you have family at home, or virtually, sit down together and share your favorite memories. Whatever you do, allow  yourself to enjoy it just as he would have.

3. Plan Something for Yourself
Hike, brunch with family or a friend, a short trip out of town. Think through what environment you want to be in.  Do something that is calming for you.

4. Write a Letter
Writing can be very therapeutic, so writing a letter to your loved one is a good way to spend Father's Day. Tell him about your life, and write down some of the things you love about him. Putting it on paper may make you feel better. You can even leave it at the cemetery or in a special location you shared with him.

5. Share Stories
This is a great time to pick up the phone,  or gather together virtually to share memories.  Acknowledging your loss and also the life of your loved one is therapeutic to both you and to others who share the same loss.

6. Pay It Forward
A great way to honor your loved one is by using Father's Day as an opportunity to pay it forward. Donate your time or money to a shelter or a charity he particularly loved. You can even simply reach out to other fathers in your life to tell them how much they are appreciated.

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(To be rescheduled) Join us Thursday evenings - May 7 - June 18 - 6 week Grief Support Group (excluding June 11)

Grief support provides companionship on the long journey through the grief process.  St. Michael’s  Parish offers a 6 week grief support program that follows the process developed by Dr. Bill Webster, an experienced leader in grief counselling.  This group provides fellowship for the journey through loss and grief.   All who have suffered a loss are welcome, regardless of how much time has passed since your loss.

This program is offered every Spring and Fall.  There is no fee, but you must register.
We cover a new topic every week, watch a short video and have discussion.  The topics consist of:

Week 1 – The Experience of Grief
Week 2 – What is Grief
Week 3 – Understanding the Process of Grief Avoidance
Week 4 – Confronting the Reality – Grief Attacks, Guilt, and Anger
Week 5 – Confronting Adjustments, Including Loneliness
Week 6 - Reorganization

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****CANCELLED ****March 19, 2020 - The Raising of Lazarus" - A Saint John's Bible reflection - Visio Divina (sacred seeing) 
 

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May 7 - June 18 - 6 week Grief Support Group (excluding June 11)
June 25 - Potluck social
September 17 - Topic - TBD - details to follow
September 24 - October 29 - 6 week Grief Support Group
Monday November 2 - All Soul's Day - Mass - Remembering our loved ones with fellowship to follow
November 19 - Coping with Christmas
December 3 - Potluck social

Contact us for information about our 2020 session dates:

Email - parish@stmichaelw.ca

Following the 6 week program, ongoing support is offered with additional sessions and socials throughout the year.    

2020
****CANCELLED ****March 19, 2020 - The Raising of Lazarus" - A Saint John's Bible reflection - Visio Divina (sacred seeing) 
If you are grieving the loss of a loved one, loss of relationship, or to strengthen your faith this Lenten season this event is for you.
Jesus is calling, “Get up and go.” Even when we feel lost, sad, and alone. Join us for a visio divina – a ‘seeing’ the Word event – with The Saint John’s Bible. Listening to Scripture we will listen again for that call and discover how our faith supports us even in moments of desolation and grief. The Raising of Lazarus, a gospel we hear each Lent, speaks of what it is to lose a loved one, to feel sadness or even anger. But it is also the story of what it means to turn to the Lord and hear him say once again, “I am the resurrection and the life.”

Dr. Anne Jamieson from the Diocese of Hamilton will lead our reflection.
Feel free to bring a friend. Everyone is welcome.

2019
March 20 2019 - Experience Music Therapy
June 19 2019 - Potluck
September 19 2019 -Grieving Our Loved Ones - Our Christian Faith with Guest Speaker:  Fr. Freitas
Fall 2019 - September 26, October 3, 10, 17, 24, November 7:
6 week Heartache to Healing Support Group (pre-registration required) 
November 14, 2019: Coping with Christmas session

Please contact our parish office for more information, upcoming dates and to register.