Seasons of Hope Catholic Grief Support

Our Lord assured us that those who mourn are blessed, and that they shall be comforted. Seasons of Hope offers those grieving an opportunity to come together to share in God’s love. With the support of the faith community, we can give voice to our unique journeys of grief and find healing and spiritual growth.

Using the “Seven Intentions of Mourning” by John and Sandy O’Shaughnessy, we will be guided to a pathway of healing and hope.

These sessions help us explore mourning through scripture, prayer, reflection activities and faith sharing. The grief group is centered on Jesus Christ and grounded in the healing wisdom, traditions, and practices of the Catholic Church. For those searching for hope, the group is a nurturing link to the Church, the Almighty, and other people of faith who are also mourning.

A Christ-centered support group is for you if any of these are true:

• You are looking for friends in Christ to share your journey of sorrow.
• You have been trying to figure out the meaning of your grief.
• You want to get on with life but have not been able to.
• You find comfort in the teaching of Christ.
• You are open to new ways of coping with your grief.
• You do not want to feel alone anymore.

Comments from Past Participants

“There is help and understanding in this journey.”

“I am not alone and can accept the roller coaster ride of grief.”

“Reminded God is with us in our suffering.”

“People who are experiencing a loss need a safe place where they feel comforted.”

“I am stronger in my faith because of these sessions.”

About the Team

Bernadette Beyer, LMFT is a parishioner with professional expertise and personal experiences with grief which have prepared her to walk with others as they heal from the death of a loved one. As a licensed therapist, she has been offering Pastoral Counseling for many years. Born in Chicago, she relocated to Michigan and has recently returned to Illinois. Bernie looks forward to ministering as a volunteer facilitator for this support group.

Kathy Hohnstedt has been a special education teacher and professional who loves and cares for all God’s people. She is a parishioner who has traveled the grief path herself. She looks forward to being a part of the team and being present to the adults through prayer and witness.

Come and be comforted.

Seasons of Hope will meet for seven weeks. Any parishioner who is mourning the loss of a loved one is encouraged to attend and invited to bring a guest. Please join us.

The 7 Intentions of Mourning: A Guided Pathway to Healing and Hope

PRAYER: the soul of the Christian life
REMEMBERING & HONORING: treasuring the gifts they left us
ACCEPTANCE: coming to terms with what has happened
YIELD TO THE PAIN: facing our suffering
ENDURING CONNECTION: death ends a life, not a relationship
REBUILD & REDEFINE: building a new relationship with the world
SUPPORT: receiving and giving

Wednesdays, 1:00-2:30pm in the Multi-purpose Room

• October 29, November 5, 12, 19, 26, December 3 and 10
• December 17 is a weather make-up date

All who are grieving the loss of a loved one are welcome.  

Contact Bernadette Beyer with questions beyerbh@gmail.com or Roberta Balsewicz at 630-922-0081 x 7 or rbalsewicz@hscc.us.