Bereavement training offered for caregivers, ministers

Throughout the Diocese of Trenton, parish outreach programs and support groups, driven by the dedication of clergy and lay ministers, provide comfort to those experiencing loss.

In recognition of the many skills that such ministers rely upon, the diocesan Department of Pastoral Care will host a Bereavement Training March 28 in the parish center in St. Paul Parish, Princeton.

Whether a parish is seeking to start a new bereavement ministry or new ministers would like to learn more about the grief process and how to support those in bereavement, the training will cover a range of topics, including Christian funerals, the grief process, communicating with the bereaved, leading support groups and beginning a parish bereavement program.

“It is intended to give you everything you need to start a ministry that would accompany your fellow parishioners from the moment they call in a death,” said Deanna Sass, director of the diocesan Department of Pastoral Care, who spoke about the tremendous source of support and comfort that such ministry activities provide to those suffering through a loss. “It is a really beautiful ministry, because it can be such a confusing and overwhelming time, and you have this person who walks with you through everything.”

Sass said that the training will also be of benefit to new ministers, those involved in existing parish ministries and even those seeking to begin new programs. Guidance will include planning and developing consolation ministry programming within a local parish centered around the needs of that specific parish, as well.

The one-day training will use the guidelines established by the National Catholic Ministry to the Bereaved.

The program begins with an optional Mass at 8:15 a.m., and registration at 9 a.m. Training runs until 4:30 p.m., and lunch and materials are included in the $40 registration fee.

Sass said that bereavement ministries and support groups provide those experiencing a loss with support from the moment they lose a loved one, to even more than a year afterward, as they work through the grieving process.

“It is a really vital ministry for people going through one of the hardest things in life,” she said. “It provides that care and that support, and that consistent presence.”

She said that support groups typically operate twice per year, for a 10-12 week period, on average, and help provide another layer of comfort.

“People find that so helpful for their own healing from grief, to be with other people who understand and have been through it,” she said, adding that the groups include trained facilitators who attend programs like that of March 28. “In addition to your peers, you have trained leaders.”

She said that such programs are so helpful that many participants wind up attending future trainings to help give back themselves.

“A lot of people who have been a recipient of that ministry ask if they can be a part of that team,” she said.

Online registration is available, and preferred. Those interested in signing up can visithttp://www.dioceseoftrenton.org/pastoralcare/ or call 609-403-7157 for more details and registration.