Grief Support
Grief is an emotional reaction to a loss, which involves a period of adjustments that help you learn to live without your loved one. Grieving is a personal experience. Your process of grieving the death of a loved one will be different from another person’s experience. There is no “normal and expected” period of time or way to mourn.
Having the opportunity to talk about your loss, share stories, care and concerns and getting support from others are important components of healthy grieving. The staff at Mount Calvary Cemetery Group recognizes the need to support the families we serve beyond the day of the funeral. Our Grief Support program is designed to be a resource for support and comfort and is not professional therapy.
Grief Support Programs
No one should grieve alone. These programs are offered to help you navigate the journey of grief. The variety of programs allows you to select the ones that fit you best. All programs are offered as part of our community outreach and are open to anyone in need. Unless otherwise indicated, there is no charge. For more information, call Nancy Weil, Director of Bereavement Support at 892-6600.
- Hope after Heartache: Tools for Living with Loss
A grief support group designed to provide you with the support you need and the tools to help you cope.
Mount Calvary Cemetery – Pine Lawn Chapel
2nd and 4th Monday of the month, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Mount Olivet Cemetery, Kenmore
1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
- BOND – Bridging Out in New Directions
A social support group for those who are grieving. Take part in various activities with men and women who share similar thoughts and experiences.
Upcoming events:
Weds. Janl 25th - Widowers Group – Cards and Conversations 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Pine Lawn Cemetery, Horticultural Building
Tues. Feb. 14th - Valentine's Day Cinema - Featuring: Sneakers with Robert Redford 6:30 p.m.
Mount Olivet Cemetery
Sat. Feb. 25th – Health Rhythms Drum Circle, Pine Lawn Chapel, 1:00 p.m.
- Stepping Out – Walking Club
Walk with others who have experienced a loss. You are invited to enjoy fresh air, camaraderie, emotional support and the fun of “stepping out” together. This is a one-mile course that we walk three times. Call for spring starting date.
The Lazarus Center for the Bereaved offers monthly topics to educate and comfort those who grieve.
Series begins again in April, 2012.
Spring Remembrance - March 20th, Mother’s Day - May 13, 2012 and August - Date to be determined
Certain times of the year prompt memories of your loved one. Mount Calvary Cemetery recognizes this and offers memorial services where families can join together in prayer, song and remembrance.
- Laugh for the Health of It Laughter Club
Third Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. – Pine Lawn Cemetery Chapel
Benefit from an hour of breathing, stretching, laughing and learning. Enjoy the social support as well as the physical and attitudinal benefits that therapeutic laughter can bring. Session can be done either seated or standing. Laughter helps to reduce stress, improve immune functions, maintain emotional balance and is good for you. This program is not only for those who are grieving. Call for specific details.
Led by Certified Laughter Leader Nancy Weil.
Come for the fun – stay for the chocolate!
Mount Calvary Cemetery has professional staff that is available to address your group free of charge. We have a variety of topics we regularly present from funeral and burial options to “Simply Live, Simply Love.” Please call if you need a speaker at your next community function or for additional topics available.
All programs are open to the community at no charge.
Funeral Celebrant
Mount Calvary Cemetery is pleased to have Certified Funeral Celebrant Nancy Weil on our staff. A Certified Celebrant is a professional who is committed to providing a service that is personalized to reflect the personality and life-style of the deceased. A Celebrant is trained to meet your needs during this time of loss. A celebrant service can be either religious or secular and include those attributes which reflect how unique and special your loved one was. The service can be a valuable source for healing in the lives of those left behind. For more information, call 716-892-6600.
Grief Support Resources
A Brief Exploration of Grief - This booklet is designed to give you an overview of some of the common physical and emotional aspects of grief. To request a free copy, contact our office.
Life Transitions Center – Grief Support Groups http://www.lifetransitionscenter.com
Gilda’s Club – Cancer support http://www.gildasclubwny.org
Grief Inc. – Products and information about grief www.griefinc.com
Good Grief Resources – A comprehensive directory or many kinds of grief resources, all in one easy-to-find listings. http://www.goodgriefresources.com
Grief Digest Magazine - A support group in print http://www.griefdigest.com
Insight Books – Grief products and funeral celebrant information http://www.insightbooks.com
Compassionate Friends –an international organization devoted to supporting bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents. http://www.compassionatefriends.org
CaringBridge – Free, personalized websites for anyone facing critical illness http://www.caringbridge.org
Make-A-Wish – Granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. http://www.wish.org |
