Grief and Loss Support Group
Mission Statement
The mission of the Grief/Loss Support group is to help individuals understand the process of grief and mourning, normalize feelings and facilitate the healing process. The group is a safe place to express feelings and thoughts without the fear of being judged.
When Do We Gather
The daytime Grief/Loss Support Group meets for 8 week sessions at varying times throughout the year. The next session has not yet been scheduled for 2024. Please check back or call the Parish Office for additional information.
Coordinators
Marisa Vitali, LMSW, & Pat Zoch, Coordinators
Understanding Grief
When someone you love dies, grieving the death is often one of the most profound forms of sorrow. There are a number of specific behaviors frequently associated with grieving. These can range from sleep and appetite problems to absent mindedness and social withdrawal. Some feelings associated with grief and mourning that are experienced by grieving individuals are: shock, disorganization, anxiety, anger, explosive emotions, guilt, regret, sadness, yearning, depression, relief and release. Your way of feeling and expressing grief is unique to you and the nature of your loss. There is no order or timetable for grief. It is helpful for grieving individuals to understand the need to mourn. The needs of each individual may include but are not limited to the following:
- Accepting the reality of the death.
- Letting yourself feel the pain of the loss.
- Remembering the person who died.
- Developing a new self-identity.
- Searching for meaning.
- Letting others help you.
