Help for Hurting Families
Often when we're sad or troubled in life, we feel deserted and alone. You may even feel that no one can understand what you're experiencing. Take heart: encouragement and comfort are available within the Christian community of faith.
Often when we're sad or troubled in life, we feel deserted and alone. You may even feel that no one can understand what you're experiencing. Take heart: encouragement and comfort are available within the Christian community of faith. Various programs are offered in our diocese to support and encourage you as you face challenging times. Remember, we can always rely upon the Lord whose Resurrection promises us healing and hope in our distress.
Blessed Are Those Who Grieve
"Lord, for your faithful people, life has changed, not ended."
Christian consolation is rooted in that hope that comes from faith in the saving death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christian hope faces the reality of death and the anguish of grief but trusts confidently that the power of sin and death have been vanquished by the risen Lord. The Church calls each member of Christ's Body -- priest, deacon, layperson -- to participate in the ministry of consolation: to care for the dying, to pray for the dead, to comfort those who mourn."
-Rite of Christian Burial
Outreach for Bereavement
Bereavement Ministry Training
As an affiliate of the National Catholic Ministry to the Bereaved (www.griefwork.org), the Office of Family Life sponsors two-day workshops for the initial training of bereavement ministers, as well as follow-up courses. Rooted in the Order of Christian Funerals, topics covered include understanding the grief process, developing communication skills in dealing with the bereaved, and training in the facilitation of support groups. There is a nominal fee required of participants in the two-day workshop, since the training is primarily funded through the Bishop's Annual Appeal. If you desire additional information, please contact John Kalinowski, director, at 609-403-7157 or jkalin@dioceseoftrenton.org.
NCMB Bereavement Training
March 22 - 23, 2013
St. Ann Church
1253 Lawrenceville Rd.
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., both days (Register by March 18, 2013)
If you would like to mail your registration with a check, download the form HERE
Support for Those Who Are Grieving
Are you looking for support as you grieve the loss of a loved one? Parishes throughout the diocese are ready to assist you through this difficult time. Click here it find out what groups and resources are available in your area.
Rainbows Ministry for Children
The Rainbows (www.rainbows.org) program fosters emotional healing among children, teens and adults grieving a loss from a life-altering crisis. It is available to parishes, schools, religious education and youth programs in the diocese. Organized according to guidelines formulated by the international RAINBOWS organization, coordinators and facilitators must be trained prior to offering the program. Assistance in developing or restarting a program is provided by the Office of Family Life. If you are interested in Rainbows or wish to locate a program near you, please call John Kalinowski, Registered Rainbows Facilitator 609-403-7157.