As part of the Service and Outreach Ministry, the parish’s Grief Support Team offers confidential assistance to those experiencing emotional distress after a major life change or event. Grief is our response to loss whether it be loss of a loved one, family breakdown, broken relationships, loss of employment, loss of social supports due to relocation, or loss of identity and financial freedom due to an illness or disability. Whilst grief is the normal, natural and inevitable response to loss, it can adversely affect our thoughts, behaviours, beliefs, feelings, physical health and our relationships with others. Grief can also affect our thinking and cause difficulty in sleeping.

With the support of family and friends, many people adapt well to loss and may not experience the intense and persistent feelings associated with grief. However, for some their experience of grief can be an emotional roller coaster and become overwhelming.

Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

The Grief Support Team’s role is to:

• Support and journey alongside those who are grieving, by being present and actively listening to their story.
• Respectfully acknowledge the confidentiality and privacy of those grieving.
• Occasionally attend the funeral of the recently deceased in support of the next of kin.

Grief support team members are compassionate, respectful in their approach, and consider it a privilege to share in the journey of the grieving person.

If you feel that you would like to join the Grief Support Team, please visit the parish website and complete a volunteer enquiry form: caloundracatholicparish.net If you are in need of support, please contact Kath Watson: ol**********@gm***.com or attend the monthly Grief Support morning tea at OLR.

Have a great week, Trish and the Service & Outreach team.