The Westside Catholic parishes of Madison offer several groups during the year for those who mourn the loss of a loved one.  To find out more about available resources, please contact our Pastoral Associate, Erik Gyr, erik@stamadison.org.

The next five-week bereavement ministry series will meet at St. Thomas Aquinas and begins November 16, 2009, from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.  This evening series is designed for those who have lost a loved one and are searching for a place to share their grief within the context of their faith.  Participants are invited to share their grief experience in a supportive, listening environment.  Session facilitators are parish staff and parish members who have also lost a loved one. Whether your loss is recent or some time ago, if you are feeling the need for spiritual support on your journey through grief, we invite you to attend this series as we move into the holiday season.  Some of the topics included in this series will be:

• The Process of Grieving
• Surviving Stress and Loneliness
• Handling the Holidays
• The Spiritual Elements of Grief
• The Communion of Saints
• Making Memories…Keeping Memories

Brochures are available at our parish office or can be downloaded using the link at the left.  To register for the upcoming session, please complete the registration form in the brochure or contact Erik Gyr, 833-2600, erik@stamadison.org.  Please try to register before November 10, 2009.  Come, take a new step on the journey through grief to new life.