A time of sorrow can be, even with its difficulties, a unique time of grace for the grieving and for those who grieve with them.
St. Paul knew this. At the beginning of his Second Letter to the Corinthians he said: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
Comforting the sorrowful is one of the six spiritual works of mercy rooted in the life of Jesus, a ministry perpetuated by Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of San Francisco through the gifts of trained members.
If you are grieving . . .
In the Archdiocese of San Francisco you will find many formal, parish-based support groups and events led by trained facilitators, many of whom themselves have suffered personal loss.
If you'd like to be trained to support the grieving . . .
Comforting the sorrowful does not mean removing the sorrow, much less restoring what was lost. Often it means to simply be present as the face of Christ to those who suffer. This is the straightforward counsel of St. Paul: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Rom 12:15)
The Archdiocese of San Francisco offers training for parishioners who wish to formally offer this spiritual work of mercy by becoming ministers of consolation.
Whether you are grieving or would like to join our ministry of consolation please contact us directly and let us answer any questions you may have.
Grief and Consolation Ministry
One Peter Yorke Way
San Francisco, CA 94109
Ed Hopfner, Director
hopfnere@sfarch.org
415-614-5547
Sr. Toni Lynn Gallagher RSM, Bereavement Coordinator
1555 39th Ave., San Francisco CA 94122
415-317-4436
tlgallagher@mercywmw.org
Other resources: Mental Health; Bereavement DVDs