BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY

 The Morning Star has always been a sign of the coming day. With it
we know that the shades of night are soon to vanish; as such it is
the herald of the coming day when we will once again feel the
warmth of the sun and be able to see our way more clearly. Our
Lady, as the Morning Star, goes ahead of Christ to announce the
coming of the Light.

The above image is found on the north wall of the Church
and is part of the Litany of the Blessed Virgin found
throughout the nave of the Church.

BLUE CHRISTMAS MASS

The Paulas, a Grief Support Group for Widows

GOOD GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP: The next 10 week "Good Grief" Support Group is tentatively set to begin March 2013.

Losing someone you love is very painful. After a significant loss, you may experience many difficult and suprising emotions, and coping with these feelings alone can add to their intensity and duration. One of the most important factors in healing from loss is having the support of other people. The "Good Grief" Support Group at OLP is designed to provide encouragement and a Catholic-centered perspective for those who have lost a loved one. The group will provide a confidential, safe, and supportive environment for individuals to begin or continue the healing process and learn healthy ways to cope with their loss. The text used is The New Day Journal, A Journey from Grief to Healing.
For specific meeting dates see #2 below.
        

Prayer for Grief and Loss

God, our Father, I turn to you, help us to understand the
meaning of your Son's death and resurrection as a sign of hope.
We are learning to live with our grief and loss, the loss of the
physical presence of our loved one. Teach us to reflect on the
understanding of your Son's death and resurrection in our lives.
Open our hearts so we can find comfort in knowing our loved
ones are with You. Heal our sadness and yearning. You know all
too well the pain of grief. Restore our sight, to greater awareness
of Your healing touch through the people you place in our path as
we travel the journey of grief toward healing.

Grant this through our lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
                                                                                                                 Amen.

Mission/Initiatives:

1. Liturgical---Mass of Rememberance (on All Souls Day) and
                       Evening Prayer for the Griefing (Third Sunday in Lent)
2. "Good Grief" Support Group--next 10 week group starts Sunday, November 4, 2012, immediately after the 11:30 Mass (at approximately 12:45 p.m.) in the Gathering Space, facilitated by Vicki Nolan and Dr. Courtney Camillus. All are welcome. For more info, contact Vicki at 614-436-0483, or Courtney at 614-477-8316
   Dates: Nov 4, Nov 11, Nov 18, Dec 2, Dec 9, Dec 16, Jan 6, Jan 13 Jan 20. and  Jan 27.
3. Outreach to those grieving---we plan to match parishioners with surviving
   loved ones to send a sympathy note, call and visit during the first year after
   the loss of a loved one.
   
    

Volunteer Opportunities: contact Vicki Nolan or Deacon Jeffrey Fortkamp

Contact:   Vicki Nolan    614-436-0483