OFFICE OF
BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY
DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN

Parish Based
Bereavement Support Groups

I am the resurrection and the life;
whoever believes in me,
even if he dies, will live

John 11:25

The death of a loved one is a very difficult period in one's life. The grief process is a painful journey which changes our lives forever. Grief is a natural response to loss and in order for grief resolution to be attained, we must work through our loss. It is extremely hard work and probably one of the most difficult tasks we will have to do in our lifetime.

Part of grieving is giving ourselves time to grieve; we cannot hurry grief. Grief is individual and as such, is expressed differently. In order for us to heal we have to:

• Confront the loss
• Experience the pain
• Re-adjust to a life without the deceased
• Let go of the physical, embrace the memories and re-experience the joy of life.

When God calls our loved one He has promised that He would not leave us. "My child, I love you and I would not leave you". During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of prints, it was then I carried you". By turning to God in prayer we are able to travel on this very difficult road. Know that God is watching over you and will comfort you.

The facilitators of Parish based Bereavement Support Groups are available so that no one should have to go through this painful journey alone.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUPS

The parish based Bereavement Support Groups of the Diocese of Brooklyn & Queens, are run by caring trained facilitators who give their time and offer their support in a caring environment.

Most of the groups are General Adult Bereavement Support Groups assisting those who have lost their loved ones (a family member, a parent, a friend, a spouse), but there are also specialized Bereavement Support Groups such as "Lost Miracles", "Children Grieve Too" and "Bereaved Parents".

If you would like additional information on the Bereavement Support groups, please call Ingrid Seunarine, Director, Bereavement Services at (718) 722-6214.

BEREAVEMENT TRAINING PROGRAMS

Training programs are offered during the course of the year.

Please contact Ingrid Seunarine (718) 722-6214

• If you are a facilitator who is currently running a group and would like to sharpen your Bereavement skills.
• If you are interested in initiating a Bereavement Support Group in your Parish.
• If you are interested in facilitating a Bereavement Support Group based on the cluster model.

PARISH BASED
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUPS
IN THE DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN AND QUEENS:

The following is a listing of the Parish Bereavement Support Groups by cluster, in the Diocese of Brooklyn & Queens. Unless otherwise indicated, groups are Adult General Bereavement Support Groups. Please call the Parish for information regarding time/location and Coordinator of program.

BROOKLYN: Support Groups

QUEENS: Support Groups

The following is a listing of National Bereavement Support Groups, and other helpful links

NATIONAL: Resources

Grief Digest	Centering Corporation	Compassionate Friends	American Association of Suicidology
Living With Loss Magazine	Share	Alive Alone Newsletter	National Catholic Ministry to the Bereaved NCMB