Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church is once again hosting a non-denominational event to help those grieving the loss of a loved one this holiday season.
The Surviving the Holidays Grief Share event is Tuesday, December 3 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the church at 705 S. Holbrook St.
Laura Meeks is the facilitator.
“What I have experienced through GriefShare is the comfort of a journey with others,” she said. “The root meaning of comfort is to call alongside, to speak tenderly, to speak to the heart, to give encouragement. This program is a blessing to us.”
“The purpose of attending the December 5, two-hour Surviving the Holidays is to connect with a small group of others who are grieving the loss of a loved one, who may be facing this holiday season feeling hurt and sad,” Meeks said. “They face social gatherings, holiday cheer, and traditions enjoyed with their loved ones. This loss may be recent or years ago, but the holiday season is a painful reminder that a loved one is missing.”
“GriefShare Surviving the Holidays is a professionally developed path to help provide a comforting place with others who are also on this path of grieving during Thanksgiving and Christmas,” she said. “This nationally recognized program contains three components including a 35-minute video, small group discussion, and a personal reflection guided through a workbook.”
GriefShare is facilitated by area leaders who follow structured training to help bring reassurance, practical advice from national professionals, and guidance to find a way forward through the season. Information about content is easily found through griefshare.org
Past participants in GriefShare ‘s 13 sessions are also encouraged to attend this focused session.
“My involvement began two years ago when I was encouraged to receive training by Father Yancey Burgess who had GriefShare at his former Kansas parish,” Meeks said. “His suggestion was to host a non-denominational group. Since then, our community has hosted GriefShare with two of the offerings being held at Mary Queen of Angels. One last year was a 13-week session on Tuesday mornings and the other session is being held now as a 13-week program over this year meeting the last Monday of each month.”
On January 7, 2025, the third 13-week session at Mary Queen of Angels will be held each Tuesday morning from 10 to 11:30 a.m.