Bereavement
Purpose: To provide support for adults grieving the loss of a loved one through a variety of ways.
St. Thomas the Apostle has trained
Bereavement Facilitators:
MaryJane Calladio
Gigi Pohl
Elizabeth Ward
Lorene Anderson
Carole Cass
Anita Bellmore
Stacey Munoz
St. Thomas the Apostle Church Parish Center
How is support given?
- Monthly Support Groups
- 10 week New Day Program
Through the above venues, the Bereavement Ministry seeks to provide a safe place where the bereaved can gain an understanding of the grief process, have the opportunity to talk through their experiences, and explore their thoughts and feelings with others who are also grieving the loss of a loved one. Doing so will assist the bereaved in working through their grief on their journey to healing so that they will be able to enjoy a happy and productive life with memories of their loved one.
Monthly support groups meet during the day and evening in the Parish Center at St. Thomas the Apostle Church.
All Meetings must be RSVP’d.
RSVP to Maryjane at 203-888-2382 ext 104 or
pastoralcare@stthomasoxford.org
The New Day Program is a structured 10 week program using the book, “The New Day Journal “ written by Mauryeen O’Brien. Through reflections, readings, journaling, and sharing, participants work through the grieving process. The New Day Program gives participants the tools to move through their grief. It gives them a way to understand, accept and move toward a life without their loved one; a life where they can be happy and satisfied.
New Day Bereavement Program
St. Thomas the Apostle Church Parish Center
733 Oxford Rd. Oxford, CT
Those who are grieving the death of a loved one need to
proactively work through their grief. One way that may be
helpful is to participate in the bereavement support group
called the New Day Program. This program consists of
ten two-hour weekly meetings. During each meeting,
participants work through one component of the grieving
process, guided by the New Day Journal.
What have past participants said about their experiences
with the bereavement ministry?
"I found the New Day Program to be exactly what it was intended to be...a JOURNEY from grief to healing. It allowed time for the person grieving to do just that - without judgement from others, but rather with much love and support from complete strangers who could identify with my needs. Each week's meeting became: "a place to listen, yet be heard." "a place to cry, yet also laugh." "a place to find peace, yet never be over your loss." "a place to create lifelong friendships." I recommend taking the time for YOU as you work through this process."
"I am grateful for the Grief Group. They helped me grieve and heal with the death of my parents. I spread the good news of the Grief Group how wonderful they are and how it is to go through the grieving process with others."
"Thank you for talking when we were all crying, thank you for listening when we were all sharing, thank you for your patience, understanding and compassion."
"Thank you Grief Group for helping me through those dark times."
St. Thomas the Apostle Church has an extensive bereavement library. It is open from 9:30-2:00pm Monday through Friday for all parishioners and participants of the bereavement support groups. If you would like a book reserved and cannot come during the open hours, please contact Maryjane at 203-888-2382 ext 104 to make arrangements.