Bernadette Bereavement Support

We are here for all those in pain through bereavement, with the help needed to come to terms with their loss, irrespective of their own faith systems or philosophies. Yes, we are a group of clergy, but first and foremost we are about supporting those in emotional pain following the death of a loved one, nothing more. We are an ecumenical community of the faithful, which means we believe there should be just one Christian, united and worldwide Church, and we strive to achieve socially responsible love and inclusion for all, as Christ intended.  

      Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5   

 People underestimate the intensity of having someone you know and love, die. Just because a death in the family (or the death of a friend) is something we all have to face at some time in our lives, it does not mean we are all magnificently equipped to deal with it. Losing someone you love literally devastates you because you have lost something you can never replace. I know how it feels to be destroyed by the loss of people you love and I also (sadly) know what it is to feel empty when you walk away from the funeral service for your loved one. I made a solemn vow with God to do all I could to comfort people when they are in this kind of pain; and it is pain like no other. I strive to connect with the family and the person God has called.

This website is not just to offer you thoughts for the funeral, as you may have already had the service, but we hope it helps you to think of ways to keep strong after the funeral and how to look after yourself during the period of time you grieve - however long that is. Not one person will grieve in the same way nor will they take the same time to start healing. Obviously, we can only offer face to face support to those whom we are geographically close but that does not stop us being at the end of an email as an ear or for any help either with making decisions or if you simply cannot get over the death of a loved one. We can also try to connect you with a priest nearer to your home, if at all possible. 

The St Bernadette Bereavement Support Group

meets in North Herts and there is no cost whatsoever to attend.

Please call Nicola on 0787 214 2792 for further details. 

The ECC has organised a course of Bereavement Counselling Training sessions in Baldock, North Hertfordshire starting after Easter, 2010. We are aiming to build a team of 6-8 people who are happy to give their time voluntarily once a fortnight to visit local people within their homes (or prearranged venue, funds permitting) who have been affected by bereavement, recent or otherwise.  The training is free of charge and secular, not religion or faith based. Please use the 'Contact Us' page or call the mobile number seen above to register your interest. Anyone who has been bereaved within the last 12 months should consider helping others at least one full year after their loss - it can often be people who are still in pain through bereavement who have the drive to help others!