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Grieving with Great Hope is a grief support program and a healing ministry developed by John and Sandy O'Shaughnessy who themselves have experienced profound grief in their lives. They are the co-founders of Good Mourning Ministry, a Catholic Bereavement Apostolate. John is a Certified Grief Counselor and author and Sandy is a Director of Religious Education with a master's degree in Pastoral Ministry (Bereavement Emphasis).
In this workshop mourners gather as a community of faith journeying to become disciples of hope. Tools, specifically the seven intentions of mourning, along with prayer, reflection, practical learning, remembrance and fellowship are offered as a way to maneuver through the valley of grief. The workshop connects participants with people here on earth and with their loved ones in heaven, as all are led to the Great Healer, Jesus Christ.
This series is prayerful, practical, and personal. The workshop title comes from 1 Thessalonians 4:13, in which St. Paul tells the Thessalonians, "Let us not grieve as others who have no hope." And though faith can give us a confident expectation that this is not our home, it does not prevent grief and suffering in this life as mourning is what we do with the pain we feel. Jesus said many times, "Take up your cross and follow me." This series teaches that grief is a natural reaction to loss, and there are ways to intentionally address this grief.
This series is designed for group discussions; as such, during the first four sessions, there is time for six "Grief Peer Group" discussions, where participants can share their own stories in a safe and validating environment. As Catholics, we have hope for eternal life in the risen Lord for ourselves and for our loved ones. Cost is $10.00 and includes the accompanying workbook.
The next series will be held September 23, 30 and October 7, 14 & 21
Please contact Diane Moriarty in the office at 508-278-2226, or click here to email , or fill in the form below for more information.
If you feel you need support but cannot wait or will be unable to join the workshop, please reach out and we will be able to assist you.