Heartache to Healing - Grief Support

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

Please contact the office to register for the 6 week Grief Support Group.
Feel free to drop in to the Monthly Support Group sessions (Informal/social/sharing).


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NOTICE:  OUR DECEMBER 2023 SUPPORT GROUP IS CANCELLED.
LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN THE NEW YEAR.


 

2023 / 2024 Grief Support Program Options
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm




 

Everyone is welcome.  There is no fee.
You must register in advance for the in person 6 week group. 
To register or for more information contact the parish office:
Phone 519-884-9311, or email parish@stmichaelw.ca. 


PLEASE CONTACT THE PARISH OFFICE
TO CONFIRM TIMING OF OUR NEXT IN PERSON SUPPORT GROUP,
OR TO REQUEST ONE TO ONE SUPPORT.

PAST NEWS:

2022 Grief Support Program Dates:

Fall 2022 6 wk Grief Support Group (Theory and Sharing)

Wednesday evenings 7:00-8:30pm
October 19 2022 - November 30 2022
(All Soul's Day Mass on November 2 2022)

Christmas 2022 Grief Support (Theory and Sharing)

Rescheduled to:  Monday December 5 2022
(previously Wednesday December 7 2022)

***NEW***Monthly Support Group (Informal / Social / Sharing)

2nd Wednesday of every month
September 14, October 12, November 9, December 14 2022
 

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Spring 2022 On-line Support Group Sessions!

Join us Tuesday evenings May 17th to June 21st
6 week Grief Support Group

This 6 week online program is available by registering with the Diocese of Hamilton:
https://hamiltondiocese.com/offices/family-ministry/grief-support

Program is similar to the in-person session described below.

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Spring 2022 In-Person Support Group Sessions!

Join us Wednesday evenings - April 20 to May 25
6 week Grief Support Group

Everyone is welcome. 
There is no fee, but you must register by April 13 2022. 
To register or for more information contact the parish office:
Phone 519-884-9311, or email parish@stmichaelw.ca. 

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.  

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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Heartache to Healing – Grief Support Group - Coping with Christmas - December 1 2021

Grieving the loss of a loved one at any time is difficult but it can seem all the worse as we approach the Christmas season.  This time of year often reminds us of our loved ones who are no longer with us along with feelings of loss and sadness. We may begin to worry about our sense of belonging and how we are going to cope without our loved one.

Join us as we watch a video and discuss ways to reduce stress while still being able to find joy in each moment trusting that there will be brighter days ahead. 

Date:  Wednesday December 1^st 2021

Time:  7 – 8:30 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm)

Location:   St. Michael Parish (Parish Centre – basement) – 80 University Ave. W., Waterloo, ON

 Registration is required by phoning or emailing our Parish office ( 519-884-9311 / parish@stmichaelw.ca).

All Covid precautionary requirements will be in place. Participants will be required to provide contact information and masks must be worn.

Please register to reserve your spot by Wednesday, November 17^th, 2021.

Everyone is welcome.  Bring a friend!

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DUE TO COVID-19 AND CURRENT RESTRICTIONS PLEASE CONTACT THE PARISH OFFICE TO CONFIRM TIMING OF OUR NEXT IN PERSON SUPPORT GROUP,  OR TO REQUEST ONE TO ONE SUPPORT.

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May 2021 Update

To members of St. Michael Parish Heartache to Healing - Grief Support Group and Act II - Separated/Divorced Support Group:

We are now in the month of May.  Many of us think of Springtime as a time of new beginnings.  It can sometimes be difficult to think of new beginnings when we're grieving and especially during the pandemic, but Springtime does to a certain degree (even if slightly) bring about a heightened awareness of new life around us.

We also celebrate Mother's Day (next weekend) and Father's Day (next month).  These days are meant as a joyous occasion to celebrate the special women and men who have shaped our lives. However, it can be difficult for those who have lost a loved one; whether it be the loss of a parent, child, spouse, or other family/friends.  Celebrating your loved one on this day is still possible to honor the times you shared together. 

If you're looking for ways to celebrate and remember your loved one, here are a few suggestions for how to spend Mother's Day and Father's Day.

1. Plant a Tree/Flowers

The reason planting a tree (or even a perennial plant or flower that will come back year after year) 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; a comforting reminder of the person you loved. During Covid-19 many Nurseries are open to shop in person or order online with curbside pickup.   

2. Make Your Loved One's Favorite Meal

Cook your loved one's favorite meal. Pick up some of their favorite 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 your loved one would have.

3. Use Flowers

Flowers are a lovely way to celebrate a loved one who's passed away. Did your loved one have a favorite flower? Many floral shops will deliver flowers.  Placing an arrangement on the dining table or in the kitchen, or taking a bouquet, or preparing a flowerbed at the cemetery are all very meaningful.  You can also send bouquets to other family members in your loved one's honor. Sending flowers can help you reach out and show support for others in your family too.

4. Write a Letter

Writing can be very therapeutic, so writing a letter to your loved one is a good way to spend Mother's Day and/or Father's Day. Tell your loved one about your life, and write down some of the things you love about her/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 together.

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 Mother's Day and/or Father's Day as an opportunity to pay it forward. You can simply reach out to other mothers and fathers in your life to tell them how much they are appreciated.  Marillac Place, Kitchener offers safe accommodation for new moms and moms to be as well as basic life skill training, child care guidance and educational opportunities to young women, who otherwise might be homeless or forced to live in poor conditions.  From Mother's Day to Father's Day their 'Baby Bottle Campaign' provides the funds desperately needed to offer this support.  Consider making a donation in honor of your loved one.  On the donation page there's an opportunity to also link your donation to St. Michael Parish.  https://marillacplace.ca/donate/

7.  Pray the Rosary Virtually - Monday Evenings Throughout May

May is the month we set aside to honor Mary, our Blessed Mother.  During the month of May our St. Michael's CWL gathers virtually to pray the Rosary, every Monday evening at 7pm.  Everyone is welcome to attend via Zoom.  Friends are welcome too.   To request the link for the meeting please email cwl@stmichaelw.ca.  

8.  Remember Your Loved One With a Mass Intention

Although Masses are online/virtual/livestreamed, you can still request a special Mass intention for your loved one.  The Mass is the greatest prayer we have since the sacrifice of Christ Himself. To request a Mass intention simply click on this link, or contact the office at St. Michael Parish directly - https://www.stmichaelw.ca/mass-times.

There is no replacement for your loved one this Mother’s Day and Father's Day, but there are positive ways to help you feel closer to their memory and to the people in your life. 

May God bless you,

Kathy

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To members of St. Michael Parish Heartache to Healing - Grief Support Group and Act II - Separated/Divorced Support Group:

 

My last message to you was Christmas Eve.  It's hard to believe already we're into February of a new year.  

As we know all too well, holidays can bring added heartbreak. Having to forgo traditional family gatherings due to Covid 19 and the restrictions that we must adhere to makes things even more challenging.  With Valentine's Day and also Family Day approaching, I thought an email of support is timely.  

 

For some, during these times of Covid-19, it may feel like a relief to be 'off the hook' in terms  of hosting or attending a large family gathering.  Or it may only magnify the loneliness you are feeling. Everyone’s reaction to this year’s holidays, will be unique .  All are normal. There is no right or wrong way to face the holidays and other special occasions when grieving the loss of a loved one - either due to death, or separation/divorce.

 

The anniversary of the death of your loved one, or separation/divorce is also likely to trigger feelings and emotions you thought you had worked through.  You may have made some significant progress in your experience of grief, but it is not uncommon for these special days to bring back the familiar feelings of loss and pain in full force.

 

In our sessions we talk about various coping tips.  As a reminder, I've listed a handful below.  Some may help, and others won’t. You choose what works for you.

 

1.  Make room for your feelings.  Acknowledge that this is a difficult time.  Talk to your friends and family to get the support you need.  Try to make a plan that gives you some control over what the day will hold.  

 

2.  If you're grieving the death of a loved one, celebrate a special day by taking time to do something in memory of the person:  lighting a special candle, planting a new plant, leaving flowers or a momentum at the cemetery, making a donation to their favorite charity, requesting a Mass Intention in remembrance of your loved one.

 

3.  Do something special for you.  Buy yourself some flowers, cook a favorite meal or order a meal in to enjoy.  Pamper yourself. Bop around the house listening to your favourite music.  Call someone who always has the ability to cheer you up. Attend daily Mass virtually, or simply pray.

 

4.  Do something special for someone else - a friend, neighbor, family member.  Even during these times there are many things we can do:  shovel snow, order dinner, or a phone call. 

 

5.  Take care of yourself - emotionally and physically. Try to get a little exercise in each day, such as a brisk walk.   Grief work is exhausting, you need plenty of rest each day in order to cope with the emotions of grief which are heightened during special days.

            

And remember, it's also ok to be happy at this time of year.  This doesn’t diminish how much you love and miss the person who has died, or the relationship that you once had.  Embrace it all:  the joy and the sorrow.

 

We look forward to the future when our Churches open up again and we have the approval to restart our Heartache to Healing Grief Support Group and our Act II Separated/Divorced Support Group. We will keep you informed along the way.  In the meantime if there is anything you need please don't hesitate to contact me, or St. Michael Parish directly.

 

You are most welcome to join us virtually for daily Mass.  More information and links to our St. Michael Parish YouTube Channel can be found here - https://www.stmichaelw.ca/live-stream-mass-schedule.

 

May our Lord bless you and give you peace.

 

Kathy