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 BEREAVE

                                              BE AWARE : Remember that grief is normal and necessary .

                                      BE THERE : Learn to be with the person ; without trying to

                                                        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 CLICHHES : "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 :