Bereavement Group Interview

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.

"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.