Queen of All Saints Basilica

Bereavement Support Group

Grief is a complex process, unique to each individual, based on personal response, circumstance of death, and relationship to the person who died. There are, however, emotions common to almost all bereaved persons. In the experience of grief, there is a gradual progression from shock, bewilderment and disbelief, through sorrow, anger, and depression, to a final acceptance of the death and a healing of the pain associated with the loss of an important relationship. This healing process takes time, energy, and patience.

We have formed a bereavement ministry to reach out and journey with those parishioners who have experienced the loss of a loved one. There are volunteers available to act as a resource for the grieving, on an ongoing basis. Some of these volunteers make initial contact with a grieving family by sending a sympathy card. They then make a follow-up phone call to offer a listening ear and to make referrals if more help is needed.

Others serve as trained facilitator teams who provide group support during meetings that include two five-week sessions followed by a three-week series. These are held throughout the year. These groups serve as a place to find understanding, acceptance, safety, growth, and hope.

Each year this ministry helps the staff plan a special service held on or near the feast of all souls, November 2nd. At this special liturgy all who have died in the past year are remembered. Family members get a special invitation to attend this liturgy, which is followed by a reception in the rectory.

We have ongoing training and support for our volunteers. If you feel called to respond to the grieving in our midst, please consider joining this ministry. There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to be born, and a time to die, a time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2,4