Ministry Description
l CDs l Catholic Counselors/Social Workers l Catholic Bereavement Retreats
You can find additional resources and information below and in the links above.
St. Maria Goretti Support Groups:
Grieving with Great Hope:
Contact Deb Krupowicz (dkrupowicz@gmail.com, 317-873-6564) or Tom Harford (tpharford@gmail.com, 317-590- 4158) for more details. Forms are also located on the table in the Church Narthex.
Tuesdays with the Dads:
Group for men who experienced the loss of a child. Meets Tuesday mornings, 7 a.m. at Le Peep’s, 8255 Craig St., Indianapolis. Contact Tom Harford 317-590-4158 (tpharford@gmail.com)
Early Saints Ministry
The Early Saints Ministry is a support group for moms and dads who have suffered miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss. We meet every other month to pray, share, and honor our Early Saints. Dates are announced in the bulletin. We provide support for families currently going through a loss with prayer, friendship and any other way we can help. We also minister to moms and dads who suffered a loss in the past. Our goal, with our Lord’s help, is to support families walking this challenging and unique road of grief.
Footprints on Our Hearts: A Morning of Recollection
This ministry is for those who have experienced a miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss. During a morning of recollection, moms and dads can take some time to pray, listen and talk with others who have similar grief experiences. The morning begins with Mass in the Holy Spirit Daily Chapel at 8 a.m. After Mass, we gather in the parish library for light hospitality. Together we watch a video and take time to reflect. There is an opportunity to hear others stories of loss and participants are invited to share (Sharing is completely optional). We end our morning in the church with prayer and song around noon. This morning is to support those who are grieving this type of loss, currently, recently, or even a very long time ago.
We are scheduling a morning each spring and fall. Registration is not necessary, but we would love to know if you plan to attend. There is no cost for the morning. If child care is a concern, we have resources to share. Please contact Susan Sponhauer, 317-979-5183 or s.sponhauer@smgonline.org, with questions about the morning or for immediate support needs.
Other Support Groups that meet regularly:
Brooke’s Place:
Created to heal hearts and provide hope to families and children who have lost a significant person in their lives. Phone: 317-705-9650
Camp Healing Tree:
Under the umbrella of Brooke’s Place, Camp Healing Tree provides a safe environment for Campers, ages 7 to 17 to share grief experiences. The camp teaches coping skills while engaging the youth in fun activities such as rock climbing, swimming, archery, crafts, and games. The cabins are air-conditioned and comfortable.
St Vincent Hospice Bereavement Support Groups:
For questions and location information, please call, 317-982-3573. There is no charge to you! Below are offerings at St. Vincent.
A Daughter’s Grief:
A grief support group for women who have lost their mother. Registration is required, call 317-982-3573.
Safe Haven Parents Support Group:
Group for parents who have experienced the death of a child. No registration needed.
Widow/Widowers Support Group:
Group designed for those grieving death of a spouse. No registration needed.
Finding Your Way: Coping with the loss of a Younger Spouse:
This six-part series is designed for husbands and wives who have lost their spouses in the middle of their lives. It will offer a safe and confidential place to address the issues of grief, loneliness and loss of direction after losing a life partner. Learn how to cope with grief while balancing the needs of family, work and other responsibilities. Registration is required. Call 317-982-3573.
General Information:
National Suicide Prevention Line: 1-800-273-8255
Warning Signs and Risk Factors
Surviving the Suicide of Someone You Love
Catholic Miscarriage Support | For Fathers | Mother’s of Miscarried & Stillborn Souls
Symptoms and Myths of Grief and Coping Skills
Letting Faith Help You Handle Stress (Article)
Grief, Loss, & Coping During Challenging Times (Brief Videos)
Special Situations (Websites):
Children Website Resources:
Loss of a Child through Miscarriage or Neonatal Loss | Unspoken Grief
CCC 2282 “If suicide is committed with the intention of setting an example, especially to the young, it also takes on the gravity of scandal. Voluntary co-operation in suicide is contrary to the moral law. Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide.”
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