The Bethany Bereavement Support Group
Introduction
The Bethany Bereavement Support Group is a voluntary parish based ministry of people whose aim is to support others on their grieving journey. The name Bethany recalls the visit of Jesus to Mary and Martha on the death of their brother Lazarus.
The group was started in this parish in the early nineties. At present there are just four of us working actively in the group, namely Ann Meade, Sheila Madden, Noel McEvoy and Olive Galvin. We also have two new volunteers in training. All members have done a ten week training course initially, and we do various updates and training days to keep abreast with current practice.
What we do
In Firhouse we visit bereaved people or families in their homes,approximately six to ten weeks following a bereavement. We also run a "Drop In" centre in the Edel Quinn room at the back of the Church, on the third Thursday of each month from 8.30.p.m. to 9.30.p.m. where bereaved parishioners are welcome to come and talk in confidence.
We organise the annual bereavement Mass in November. We also help at two support weekends, previously held at the Augustinian Retreat Centre at Orlagh, Ballycullen Road in November and February each year and we have sponsored some bereaved parishioners for some of those weekends.
To conclude may we point out we are not a ‘counselling’ service. Rather, we are a ‘listening ear.’ If we feel a person needs bereavement counselling we refer them to such a service.
"PRAYER in TIME of BEREAVEMENT" by Sr. Sheila McAuliffe
"Lord, you are close to the broken hearted.
Be with me now in my grief and loneliness.
Give me courage to face my loss and not to grieve in silence.
Be with me as I struggle with many different and painful feelings.
Ease the hurt in my heart.
Encircle me in your love.
Stay with me, Lord, support me.
Help me to know that your power is at work within me
As I deal with my grief.
Amen."