Grief ministry hopes to reach more throughout archdiocese

Grief is difficult for everyone.

Sometimes grief comes from the death of a child, a spouse, a parent, a sibling or a friend. Grief can also come from the loss of a job, stress from COVID-19 or from a hurricane loss.

Archbishop Aymond and I agreed that the archdiocese needed to be doing more for those who are grieving. My son was killed in an accident almost four years ago. It changed the lives of our entire family. We were devastated.

After sharing with a few friends about my devastation, I knew I needed to join a support group. It was the best thing I could have done. Then I learned about Redbird Ministries for grieving parents.

I became an active member of Redbird and then an advocate. I knew my archdiocese needed Redbird. Redbird is a Catholic Grief Support Ministry for parents who have lost children from miscarriage or stillbirth or whose children, even as adults, have died. Soon I hope to have Redbird support groups in place throughout the archdiocese. (Read more about Redbird at www.REDBIRD.love.)

I also plan to offer mornings or evenings of reflection and one-day and weekend retreats for different types of grief. I am currently looking into a program for children who are grieving and a care program for those who are divorced. Another group available is called HALOS (Healing After Loss to Overdose or Suicide). A group is meeting regularly in Slidell, but we are looking for more parishes to host this group.

Everyone has his or her story, feelings and crosses to bear. Everyone handles these challenges in different ways. No parish can possibly have a group for every need. We need to offer programs that will comfort people and help them heal their hearts.

While I am not completely healed, my healing has come from my relationship with Jesus. It also comes from sharing life experiences with others. It is amazing how often I am drawn to someone in a conversation and then find out they have lost a child, spouse, parent or job.

I am reaching out to pastors in parishes for space and volunteers to help.

Those who have lost a loved one don’t have to grieve alone. Don’t shy away from others going through grief. Not everyone understands how you feel, but there are many out there who do.

We need these groups to help each other find peace, know the love Jesus has for us and know that someone cares. While we are broken and shattered, we can be restored and strengthened. 

If you are interested in helping, contact [email protected] or call the Office of Marriage and Family Life at (504) 861-6246.