I'm excited to tell you that we are planning to expand our bereavement ministry beyond the wonderful ways that we are already caring for those in our parish who are grieving the loss of their loved ones. Before going on further, I want to speak about grief, especially when it involves the passing of a loved one. A rabbi, Earl Grollman, was quoted as saying "Grief is the other side of the coin of love." It happens because we love and because we care. Grief is the normal, natural and necessary response to a significant loss. Understandably, the more significant the loss, the more acute is the grief. It happens in and through a set of behaviors and fellings that are normal reactions to major loss and change. Our Christian hope of Resurrection and eternal life for ourselves and our loved ones should make our grief different from those who have no faith (Thessalonians 4:13-14), which DOESN'T mean that we "shouldn't" grieve. (see statement above.) While someone may indeed grieve "alone", I believe there is plenty of research that says that the healthiest way of going through the grieving process is by welcoming the help and support of resources, especially caring people. Hoping and praying that some, if not many, of our parishioners who are grieving the loss of a loved one will be open to help and support during such a challenging time in their life. 

We (Dcn Gary Christoff and myself) are recruiting parishioners with compassionate and caring hearts to go through some training and then offer themselves as a comfrot and support to families (or, in the case of many in the parish, individuals) who are in the process of grief over the loss of a loved one. Those who offer themselves in this ministry will surely grow in their own spiritual lives and give concrete witness to Christ's love and compassion for these dear people. 

To find out more specifics about this ministry, please call Deacon Gary at 573-645-6814 and/or look forward to an information session about this ministry coming soon. Please note, for those in the grieving process now, there is an upcoming group grief support workshop on 5 Mondays in a row (October 3 - October 31) here at Sacred Heart Church led by Deacon Christoff. Call him or email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

A few weeks ago I had a Pastor's column regarding our stewardship of time, talents and treasure. While re-reading, I regretted mentioning why some aren't giving much to the church and other needs within and outside of the church. I now wish that I had emphasized more those who are giving, who thank God, are many in number. I pray that these cheerful givers can be an inspiration to others of this joy of giving of what we are blessed with in time, talent and treasure.