GRIEFSHARE: A FAITH-BASED GRIEF SUPPORT PROGRAM

BY ROSEMARY LEWALLEN

If you have experienced the loss of a loved one, St. Irenaeus Grief Support Ministry invites you to join our GriefShare Program. This 13-week program will meet from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. every Monday starting July 15th in classroom #14 at St. Irenaeus Catholic School, 9201 Grindlay St., Cypress, 90630. GriefShare is a cycle of sessions that will be offered on an ongoing basis. You are welcome to join at any point since they are stand-alone sessions. People may benefit from more than one cycle of classes because, as their unique journey though grief evolves, so will their response to the material offered. This program is for anyone who has lost a spouse, child, parent, sibling or close friend, but not for other life events that create grief, such as loss of a job or a divorce.

Each session includes showing a video that structures the session. For example, weeks one through five deal with comfort and feelings. Weeks six through nine provide some answers. Later weeks deal with lessons learned from grief, benefits of helping others and why moving on is necessary for healing. There is a $15 cost for the workbook that accompanies the sessions.

Grief is sometimes described as a “ball of emotions”. It may cause your heart to race, physical pain, fatigue, adversely affect memory and concentration and affect your eating. Your usual activities may be difficult at this time. You may ask, “Is this normal?” and “How can I cope without my loved one?” Your individual journey of grief cannot be predicted or controlled. You will receive helpful materials, as well as have time to ask questions. 

You will meet people who understand your feelings, anxiety, emotions and pain. 

If you plan to attend, please RSVP to St. Irenaeus’ Faith Community Nurse, Jennifer Dagarag, RN, at 714-826-0760.