Grief Ministry
St. Francis of Assisi faith community, we can give voice to our unique
journeys of grief and find healing through spiritual growth
journeys of grief and find healing through spiritual growth
Grieving the Loss of a Loved One?
Experiencing the pain of grief after the loss of a loved one is generally very painful and difficult. For those who are mourning, St. Francis provides “The New Day Journal Program” along with facilitators to walk with those who are struggling during this transition.
Some of the feelings addressed in these sessions are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance and hope. Along with the loss of a spouse, family member or close friend, there are other losses of identity, self confidence, direction, trust, dreams and other topics that are discussed. Since all sharing is personal, it occurs within a prayerful and confidential setting.
Experiencing the pain of grief after the loss of a loved one is generally very painful and difficult. For those who are mourning, St. Francis provides “The New Day Journal Program” along with facilitators to walk with those who are struggling during this transition.
Some of the feelings addressed in these sessions are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance and hope. Along with the loss of a spouse, family member or close friend, there are other losses of identity, self confidence, direction, trust, dreams and other topics that are discussed. Since all sharing is personal, it occurs within a prayerful and confidential setting.
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Our Lord has assured us that those who mourn are blessed and that they shall be comforted. The New Day Program offers the bereaved an opportunity to come together to share in God’s love. With the support of the St. Francis of Assisi faith community, we can give voice to our unique journeys of grief and find healing through spiritual growth. The sessions help us to explore mourning through prayer, scripture, sharing and reflection. Any parishioner who is coping with the loss of a loved one is encouraged to attend and to bring a guest.
The group will meet for eleven sessions on Wednesdays, September 2, 2020 through November 18, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. in the Organizational Workroom. To register, please email Margaret at margaretvscott@mac.com or Donna at donnaschmittler@att.net We look forward to making the journey with you! |
Announcements
Join our Grief Ministry Team and Reach Out to those in Pain and in Need of Healing
If you are loving, a good listener, and compassionate, the Grief Ministry is reaching out for your assistance. We visit with those who are coping with the loss of a loved one and walking through the process of healing. At this time we are in need of volunteers who are willing to co lead a group on Wednesday evenings, 09/02/20 – 11/18/20, beginning at 7:30 p.m. and/or willing to facilitate a group of six at a monthly luncheon with members of St. Francis of Assisi and other Catholic Churches in the area who are also on the journey of grief. If interested in joining our team or prefer asking some questions about the process, please contact Margaret at margaretvscott@mac.com or Donna at donnaschmittler@att.net. We hope to hear from you soon!
If you are loving, a good listener, and compassionate, the Grief Ministry is reaching out for your assistance. We visit with those who are coping with the loss of a loved one and walking through the process of healing. At this time we are in need of volunteers who are willing to co lead a group on Wednesday evenings, 09/02/20 – 11/18/20, beginning at 7:30 p.m. and/or willing to facilitate a group of six at a monthly luncheon with members of St. Francis of Assisi and other Catholic Churches in the area who are also on the journey of grief. If interested in joining our team or prefer asking some questions about the process, please contact Margaret at margaretvscott@mac.com or Donna at donnaschmittler@att.net. We hope to hear from you soon!
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Faith & Grief Ministry
Saint Francis is joining St. Marks and Our Lady of Angels to host the monthly Faith & Grief luncheons, the second Wednesday of each month from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. Faith & Grief is a ministry of compassion and connection. Visit faithandgrief.org/gatherings for information about and to sign-up for upcoming Allen/Frisco/Plano, TX Gatherings. |
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About The New Day Journal
For those who are mourning the loss of a loved one, St. Francis provides a program and book called The New Day Journal as well as facilitators to walk with those who are struggling during this difficult and painful transition. Some of the feelings addressed in these sessions are denial, anger, bargaining, loneliness, fear, depression, acceptance and eventually hope. Along with the loss of a spouse, family member or close friend, there are other losses of identity, self confidence, direction, trust, dreams and many more topics that are discussed. Since sharing is often sensitive, it occurs within a prayerful and confidential setting. Verbalizing thoughts and showing emotions seem to be the most immediate need of our participants. Our book provides many of the topics and tasks for us. Other valuable aspects of The New Day Journal are Scriptural Verses and Prayers, Journaling, Anticipating Holidays and Bibliography. Meetings are scheduled for Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. beginning February 5th and ending May 6th in the Organizational Workroom. Another session will be announced for the Fall of 2020. |
Resources
Poem Someone Once Wrote, from page 18 of The New Day Journal
A cut finger
Is numb before it bleeds,
It bleeds before it hurts,
It hurts until it begins to heal,
It forms a scab and itches until
Finally a scar is left where
Once there was a wound.
Poem Someone Once Wrote, from page 18 of The New Day Journal
A cut finger
Is numb before it bleeds,
It bleeds before it hurts,
It hurts until it begins to heal,
It forms a scab and itches until
Finally a scar is left where
Once there was a wound.
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Healing After Loss written by Martha W. Hickman is For those who have suffered the loss of a loved one, here are strength and thoughtful words to inspire and comfort.
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Resilient Grieving, Finding Strength and Embracing Life After a Loss That Changes Everything written by Lucy Hone, PhD offers an empowering alternative to the five-stage model of grief--and makes clear our inherent capacity for growth following the trauma of a loss that changes everything
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Meet the Grief Ministry Leaders
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Donna Schmittler
In 2005, in a period of three months, my Father, Godfather and Husband died. It was a very difficult time in my life. My Church did not have a Bereavement Group at that time. I joined one in another Parish in a neighboring town. I found it very helpful. My Pastor and I met with the Pastor of that Church and discussed forming one at our Church. I was trained to facilitate Bereavement Groups and began one at Saint Columba. When I moved to Frisco in 2007, I worked with Father to begin one here at Saint Francis. |
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Margaret Scott
My family and I have been St. Francis of Assisi parishioners for the past 13 years. Prior to this time, I served as Director of a program at St. Joseph Church called Rainbows for All God’s Children for those who have experienced a divorce or death in their family. Adults also were encouraged as they visited with other parents in the group who were coping with loss. Currently I am team co-leader for the St. Francis of Assisi Grief Ministry. Would like to visit with you if you are grieving from a loss or you’re interested in joining our group. All are welcome! |