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BEREAVEMENT "Blessed
are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." When a death occurs, life for those who live on changes forever. The Church recognizes this change and offers hope and comfort to those who grieve the loss of a loved one. As Jesus comforted Mary and Martha, the parish community can reach out to comfort those who mourn. The
Family & Respect Life Ministries Office can consult with parishes
to discern their needs. We have many resources in the Diocesan
Media Center on bereavement in book or video form. For more information
call 1-800-788-4616 or 307-237-2723 National Catholic Ministry to the Bereaved -- an organization that responds to God's call to be ministers of consolation and offers pastoral and spiritual support to the bereaved, caregivers, agencies, congregations and diocese through education and resources so that all who mourn a loss through death may receive the healing comfort of God. Write the National Catholic Ministry to the Bereaved, 28700 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44092-2527 or visit www.Griefwork.org. BRAND NEW RESOURCE...BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY There is a new book, "Harvesting Our Tears", by Susan Blum Gerding, Ed.D., that is a structured, eight-week bereavement process for support groups or individuals which draws on the richness of scripture, prayer, sacrament, theology, music, catechesis, ritual, imagery and the wisdom of the Catholic faith communtiy. This manual is an inspiring answer to the prayers of bereavement facilitators as it incorporates the nature, substance,a nd experience of the Catholic faith while inviting participants to share their thoughts, concerns and feelings in a safe environment. For a copy of this book, contact Pat McCarthy at 307-237-2723, or 1-800-788-4616, or e-mail her at pat@dioceseofcheyenne.org RACHEL'S VINEYARD AND RACHEL'S HOPE are post abortion ministries. For information on Rachel's Vineyard and Rachel's Hope, click on the link.
Prayer
for Trust When Experienceing a Loss Image: open hands Prayer: God of Mystery, I turn my heart to you. I come before you in need of peace, grateful for the mystery of life and ever keenly aware of your promises of guidance and protection. I want to place my trust in you but my heart grows fearful and anxious. I forget so easily that you will be with me in all that I experience. Teach me to be patient with the tansformation of my life and to be open to the change which I am now going through. Reflection: Look at the geese of the sky: they neither worry or are anxious about the winter warnings of their life, for they know within their deepest selves that their journey will take them to a place of shelter, or comfort, or nourishment, a place where winter harshness cannot reach them. See how they fly, winging homeward with sureness, with trust in their heart's instinct. If these geese, who have not the faith and grace of human hearts, can follow the mystery and secrets of their deepest selves, cannot you, my loved and chosen ones, you whom I care for as my very own, cannot you be in touch with the mystery of your hearts? Cannot you trust in me to guide you on your journey of life? For I have promised to give your rest in seasons of tiredness, comfort in seasons of sorrow, peace in seasons of distrust, strength in seasons of great weakness. Trust in me. Do not be afraid. I am with you. I will be your peace. Scripture: "Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give you, a peace the world cannot give, this is my gift to you, do not let your heart be troubled or afraid" (Jn 14:27). After reading and reflecting of the scripture verse, place your hands on your lap, palms up. Open them, ready to give and to receive from God. Sit quietly for several minutes in this posture of openness and trust. Pray for the gift of trust in God as you go through this experience of loss. Then read the following psalm verses: Yahweh is my strength, my shield; my heart puts its trust in God. I have been helped, my flesh has bloomed again: I thank God with all my heart (Ps 28:7). This I believe: I shall see the goodness of Yahweh in the land of the living. Put your hope in Yahweh, be strong: let your heart be bold, put your hope in Yahweh (Ps 27:13-14). I, for my part, like an olive tree growing in the house of God, put my trust in God's love forever and ever (Ps 52:8). My God, my God, why have you deserted me? How far from saving me, the words I groan! I call all day, my God, but you never answer me, all night long I call and cannot rest. Yet, Holy One, you who make your home in the praises of Israel, in you our ancestors put their trust, they trusted you and you rescued them; they called to you for help and they were saved; they never trusted you in vain (Ps 22: 1-5). Closing Prayer: God, in whom I trust, there is a part of me that is dying and a part of me that is coming to life.I I want to have an open hands attitude toward you and toward my life, buy it is such a struggle to do so. Remind me often of the peace which you extend to me. Thank you for your beloved son who suffered and gave me an example of trusting in you. Renew me day by day. Encourage me so that I may always be faithful to your call deep within my heart. I open myself to the mystery of life and to your love. Amen. For more information, please contact The Marriage, Family and Respect Life Ministry Office, phone numbers are 307-237-2723 or 1-800-788-4616 or e-mail pat@dioceseofcheyenne.org
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