Comfort for your family
in their loss and sorrow.
 
“Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
by dying has destroyed our death,
and by rising, restored our life.

Reunite us with those we love,
when every tear will be wiped away.

We ask this through
Christ our Lord."   

(Catholic Mass Prayer) 

New Bereavement Group Starting
 

Have you experienced the loss of a loved one recently or even over the last few years? Are you
feeling the sense of loss, sadness, being overwhelmed, or wishing you could talk to others who knows what it is like to lose a person near and dear to them? Consider coming to the bereavement group on Wednesday evenings starting September 4 from 6:30–7:45 PM and will conclude in October in the Rectory Conference Room.

In this group, you will find:

• Support and understanding from others who have experienced a similar loss.
• The opportunity to begin the healing process through sharing your own story and/or hearing the stories of others.
• Coping skills to help you through the most difficult days of your grief journey.
• Hope through companionship with people who “get it” and understand first-hand what you’re going through.
• The opportunity to discover new traditions and ideas to keep loved ones present in your hearts and in your memories.

Please contact Lisa M. Gulino (617-698-2439, x. 209 or lgulino@stagathparish.org) to ask any questions or to register so we can have plan the proper materials.

Our parish has several specific Ministries to help people who experience loss in their lives.

1.  Bereavement Ministry provides a critical service to our parish family. Bereavement Ministers assists the next of kin to plan the funeral liturgy.  Kathy Ferraro chairs this Ministry.   
2. Bereavement Support Groups  are opportunities to share with others your journey of loss. Our groups are lead by a Certified Counselor and the Pastoral Associate who is also trained in Bereavement. Groups are held several times during the year. Please call Lisa M. Gulino, Pastoral Associate for meeting times. Lisa’s phone number:  617-698-2439 X209 or email:  lgulino@stagathaparish.org. 

3.  Memorial Mass is celebrated in which we remember all of the deceased members of the parish that were buried the past year. A personal invitation is mailed to each family who has lost a loved one. During the Liturgy, the name of the loved one is read aloud and a white carnation is presented in their memory. This symbolism helps the families to realize that the loved one is not forgotten and that other members of our faith community share their grief and sorrow.