The Compassionate Care Ministry is our effort to meet the needs of those who are walking through grief and mourning following the death of a loved one. It’s a highly personal and emotional time and we have ways to comfort, console, and support each other. If you've recently lost a loved one, we invite you to use one of the resources below or attend one of our events.

Supportive Mailings 

Compassionate Care offers a series of supportive mailings touching on common concerns as you move through the first year of transition following the death of a loved one. If you've lost a loved one in the past year, we'd like you to receive this ongoing resource. Contact Janet Schrippa to learn more and register. 

Informal Gatherings / Sharing Grace

Grief isn't a smooth or linear process. Sometimes we experience difficult spots. Perhaps there’s an event or milestone that triggers a need to talk with others who understand. Sharing Grace is an opportunity to gather with others who are facing similar situations. Join us at a local restaurant or here on campus. These gatherings are not structured with a formal agenda, rather it’s an opportunity to be embraced by people who ‘get it’, to respond to the needs of the group that day. Come once or a few times, this is an ‘as needed’ opportunity.

Prior to the realities of Covid 19, Sharing Grace would meet the second Saturday of each month (with the exception of holiday weekends) at noon at Jason's Deli on Spring Forest Rd. We would sit at the tables just inside the door. No need to RSVP or register, you could just come along to chat with folks who understand grief and loss. During these times when gathering in person presents some challenges we will meet via Zoom. If you are interested please contact Janet Schirripa through email to express your interest. She will then issue you an invitation to the online meeting. 

Memorial Prayer Service / Mass

Twice a year we gather as a community to remember our loved ones who've died through a worship experience. During the Easter Season and in November we designate a Mass or Vespers and create a liturgy that brings us together to honor and remember those who have passed. These are poignant and powerful gatherings, meant for anyone who has suffered a loss. Look for announcements in our Latest News and Calendar.

Resource Lending Library

For some people who are grieving, reading supportive and spiritual material is comforting. We've built a small resource lending library here at the parish. You’re welcome to come to take a look. Contact Janet Schrippa for more information. 

For even more resources, you can visit your local library, ask your funeral home, hospice, bookstores, look for resources online, or lean on a friend's personal library. If you find a book or resource that is particularly helpful, please share the title with us by contacting Janet Schirripa using the information below.