Bereavement Group Associate Ryan Bilodeau with Co Facilitators Patricia Campbell and Rita Thompson

1. Communications Associate Ryan Bilodeau recently sat down to discuss the Bereavement Group with Co- Facilitators Patricia Campbell and Rita Thompson. Where: Holy Cross Church, South Portland When: The group meets from 6:00 to 7:30PM on a weekly basis on Wednesdays starting on April 12th, and goes until May 31st. Funeral Coordinator Rita Thompson wishes that a grief and bereavement support system was in place when her own husband sadly passed away. Three decades later, she and fellow parishioner Patricia Campbell are part of the team creating just that.

2. "As Funeral Coordinator, I try to support people after the funeral by saying hi at mass or at the grocery store just to check in,” she said. "But there was nothing like this bereavement group we are now creating at our parish when my own husband died. This work is about helping people get through the next hour and then the next day." Joining Rita as the program's co-facilitator, Patricia Campbell echoes many of her sentiments. "Grief is universal, but also unique to each person.” Patricia remarked. The program's specifics will adapt "depend[ing] on the needs of the group, as each group is different." Patricia, who works as a Dempsey Center volunteer facilitator, was also a longtime volunteer grief and loss group facilitator at the Cancer Community Center in South Portland (now part of the Dempsey Center). For her, this program is about "holding sacred space while accompanying others during a part of their grieving journey." Patricia's many years of volunteer work has afford her the opportunity to witness the value inherent in the sharing of pain and loss in a group setting. In many ways, this work with the grieving is also her way of giving back after receiving similar support decades ago following the passing of her fiancé and life partner. Patricia desires to help others feel heard and accompanied in their grief. The program is confidential, and will be comprised not only of prayer, but also group discussions, among other activities. Participants will also discuss practical skills related to the difficult tasks of coping with grief and asking for help.

3. Rita, who recalls once helping to plan part of a funeral while visiting Times Square in New York City, is looking forward to the quieter and less hectic environment of a group setting. For the 10 people accepted into the program, the group will be meeting at Holy Cross Church in South Portland on Wednesdays starting on April 12th at 6:00pm. For the grieving, every day can seem as chaotic and as busy as one experienced in the middle of Times Square.The hope is that this program will help bring some measure of peace and support amidst the heartbreaking experience that is the loss of a loved one. Even our own Lord Jesus cried at the death of His friend Lazarus. Pre-Registration is required. For more information or to register, please contact Patricia -Ryan Bilodeau