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
Carole Cass
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 hoped to find hope in the grief... this seminar has helped find it.”
“The readings help me understand grief better, and to know what I'm living through is normal.”
“To feel some peace. My expectations were exceeded.”
“Although Journaling was difficult at time, putting thoughts to pen and paper, it was helpful to get me to realize and deal with those things.”
“I think that the Opening/Closing prayers were comforting in what they had to say. Setting the atmosphere of each meeting.”
“The layout of "circle" (although really a square) was good so everyone could see each other.”
“Sharing with others was the most helpful, to know that I'm not alone in this path of grief.”
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.