grief

 Grief is a natural reaction to the death of a loved one or the

     separation from someone or something we have treasured in life .

It is a journey which , if not prepared for , can be devastating ,

frightening , and often lonely .

    We can think . do , or even say things that are most unlike us and

yet , in grief , are very much part of our normal reaction .

since it is unlikely that any two people will grieve alike , we can

not label anyone's reaction as being abnormal or neurotic .

Each person will grieve in a way that is right for him / her but

they must understand and accept each others unique way .

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF THE BEREAVED

1.  Take time to let go .           

   2.  Take time to make decisions .

 3.  Take time to accept death . 

4.  Take time to share .          

5.  Take time to believe .       

6.  Take time to forgive .        

                  7.  Take time to feel good about yourself .

        8.  Take time to meet new friends .

                    9.  Take time to laugh                               

   10. Take time to give                 

.

  HOW CAN I HELP THE BEREAVEd

BE AWARE : Remember that grief is normal and necessary .

                   BE THERE : Learn to be with the person ; without solve the problem .

                             BE SENSITIVE :Allow the pain ; don't try to take it away .                                      

BE HUMAN : Allow expressions of feelings ( guilt , anger ,   

 sorrow , etc. without judgment .)

            BE READY : To listen when the story is told , over and over again .

                               BE PATIENT : Remember that the process of mourning takes time.                      

AVOID CLICHES : "Their suffering is over " ,                                     

" It's God's will ".                     

                                               " You are young enough to have another child ".                    

                                 It's better to say nothing than to say cliches .          

GRIEF AND BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY

Offers emotional support to people who are journeying through grief after

death of a loved one or the loss of something very special to them . The

         support provided by the centre in the area of loss and grief is offered through :