The Healing Journey

January 16, 2025

New Day Bereavement Programs Scheduled for 2025

“Although I knew God was carrying me, the New Day program showed me how to accept my losses and truly find the path to healing,” a participant recently wrote. “New Day gave me the gifts of confidence, courage, wisdom and peace. It also reminded me that God asks us to bring him our burdens, and there we will find rest. In that quiet place, I can now see I will truly find joy again!”

That testimonial is like many others from people who have gone through the New Day bereavement program offered by Catholic Cemeteries of the Diocese of Bridgeport.

If you are having a difficult time following the loss of a loved one, you may want to consider joining a bereavement group so you can find support and comfort in a faith-based setting.

The first question to ask is “Am I ready?” To determine if you’re ready for a bereavement group, click here to read ‘How Do I Know I’m Ready for a Bereavement Group?’ for advice.

The New Day Ministry is a faith-based, small-group support program facilitated by trained volunteers who accompany fellow parishioners on their journey from grief to healing. This is a structured nine-week program, which includes prayer, scripture readings, journaling, and sharing responses to directed questions in a confidential setting. It is based on The New Day Journal, by Mauryeen O’Brien, O.P.

“This program is not limited to those who have suffered a recent loss,” says Carolyn Killian, Director of Bereavement for the Diocese of Bridgeport. “We have had participants who lost a loved one decades ago and for whatever reason were never able to grieve. If your pain is impacting your life, I encourage you to consider joining a bereavement group, where you will have an opportunity to come to a place of healing. And if you are a person of faith, inviting God into your journey will make all the difference.”

Programs Scheduled for 2025

St. Michael the Archangel, Greenwich
Date: January 21 – March 18
Time: Tuesday afternoons 1:00 – 2:30 pm

St. Catherine of Siena & St. Agnes, Riverside
Date: March 5 – April 30
Time: Wednesday mornings 10:00 – 11:30 am

Church of the Assumption, Westport
Date: March 5 – April 30
Time: Wednesday afternoons 2:00 – 3:30 pm

St. Marguerite Bourgeoys, Brookfield
Date: March 27 – May 29 – No Session April 17
Time: Thursday afternoons 2:00 – 3:30 pm

To sign up, go to: https://staging.ctcemeteries.org/NewDay

Details for the following programs are being finalized:

• St. Leo Parish, Stamford (starting in May)
• St. Elizabeth Seton Church, Ridgefield (afternoon program starting in May)
• St. Philip Church, Norwalk
• St. Peter’s Church, Bridgeport evening program (In Spanish)

For further information, contact Carolyn Killian at 203-404-0023 or ([email protected])

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