Bereavement MinistryA small group of parishioners, having felt called to minister to the sorrowing and grieving, have undertaken to provide consolation, support, and direct practical assistance to individuals and families who have experienced the death of a loved one. These ministers strive to ease the burden of those involved in planning a funeral liturgy, be it a liturgy/Mass or memorial service. They are able to assist with the grieving process, explain and help the grieving select the elements of a prayerful and respectful liturgy, act as liaisons between the family and the priest, ministers, musicians and others, as needed, as well as assist in accessing resources available before, during, and after a death occurs.
Contacts: Pat Riehle, 513-232-0392;
Mary Selvaggi, 513-388-4184
Bereavement Hospitality
This ministry works with the Bereavement Ministry, helping a grieving family by providing a gathering space and hospitality to celebrate the life of their deceased loved one. If your gifts lie in consolation and healing of the grieving, please consider becoming a bereavement hospitality minister.
Contact: Rosemary Mahoney, 513-460-2050
Grief Support
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish offers an 8 week Grief Support Group in a series of 8 consecutive Wednesday evenings from 7-8:30pm. Meetings are held in the Guadalupe Room. This group brings together people who are dealing with the loss of a loved one. All are welcome to attend. Two 8 week sessions are offered in the Spring and in the Fall.
In addition to our eight-week grief support group sessions offered twice a year, IHM offers a monthly grief support night for those in need of a compassionate and supportive community. All are welcome to come and reflect, pray, and heal alongside one another. If you have attended one of the 8 week sessions previously, feel free to join us in continued care and support. These Grief Support Nights take place on the 4th Tuesday of the month from 7:00-8:30 pm in the Bernadin Conference Room in the parish office.
Contact: Mary Selvaggi, 513-388-4184
Parent/Significant Adult Loss Group : Fernside Center for Grieving Children offers support groups for children and families who have experienced the death of a family member or friend. This group meets in the school on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, from September to June. Call Katie Burket at 513-246-3834 or [email protected] to register.
Project Rachel
Project Rachel is the post-abortion healing ministry of the Catholic Church. It is composed of a network of specially trained clergy, spiritual directors and therapists who provide compassionate one-on-one care and prayerful group experiences to those who are struggling with the aftermath of abortion. Project Rachel is designed to provide confidential and skilled help to each individual who comes to the ministry. Project Rachel is able to help women and men; parents and grandparents, siblings, friends, and others whose lives have been impacted by an abortion loss.
Contact: Confidential Line, 513-784-0531
For other grief support resources, contact
Mary Selvaggi, 513-388-4184.