Seasons of Hope Guidebook : Creating and Sustaining Catholic Bereavement Groups

by Macleod, M. Donna

• ISBN13: 9781594711114
• ISBN10: 1594711119
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-10-01
• Publisher: Ave Maria Pr

Summary

Seasons of Hope is a comprehensive program for pastoral leaders, guiding them through all the necessary steps of creating and sustaining small bereavement groups. This program offers twenty-four scripture-based sessions, organized into four, six-week, non-sequential seasons. Each season has its own Participant Journal for at-home follow-up by group members. All group sessions follow the same simple format and flow with a comforting blend of scripture, prayer, group exercises, faith-sharing, and Catholic traditions. Book jacket.

Table of Contents

"Seasons of Hope Prayer"	p. 9
Acknowledgments	p. 11
Foreword: A Pastor's Perspective	p. 13
Introduction: Welcome to Seasons of Hope	p. 15
About Seasons of Hope
The Decision	p. 21
Does your parish need a Christ-centered bereavement support group?
First Steps	p. 31
Where do you begin?
Faith Sharing, Facilitators, and Fellowship	p. 53
What is the essence of faith sharing?
What do facilitators do?
How does fellowship fit in?
About Weekly Sessions	p. 65
What are the unique traits of Seasons of Hope meetings?
About the Participant Journals	p. 84
How does the booklet enhance group sessions?
Why does home journaling help participants?
Session Footprints
Point of Departure: For Whom Are You Looking?	p. 91
Path to Understanding: Our Source of Consolation	p. 97
Obstacles on the Journey: Shattered Dreams	p. 101
Path to Inner Healing: Finding Joy	p. 105
Way of Suffering: The Way of the Cross	p. 108
Final Destination: Untie Him	p. 111
Point of Departure: Remembering	p. 115
Path to Understanding: Seeking Consolation	p. 121
Obstacles on the Journey: Stumbling Blocks	p. 125
Path to Inner Healing: Living Hope	p. 129
Way of Suffering: The Cross	p. 132
Final Destination: Do Not Be Afraid	p. 135
Point of Departure: Believing	p. 138
Path to Understanding: Knock and the Door Shall Be Opened	p. 143
Obstacles on the Journey: Our Infirmities	p. 146
Path to Inner Healing: Blinders to Faith	p. 149
Way of Suffering: His Wounds	p. 152
Final Destination: Do Not Weep	p. 155
Point of Departure: Last Encounter	p. 158
Path to Understanding: The Garden of Gethsemane	p. 163
Obstacles on the Journey: Crown of Thorns	p. 166
Path to Inner Healing: Gift of Caring	p. 169
Way of Suffering: Golgotha	p. 172
Final Destination: Be My Witnesses	p. 175
Appendix
Sample Brochure	p. 179
Sessions-at-a-Glance	p. 181
Participant Journals-at-a-Glance	p. 185
Suggested Sound Recordings	p. 189
Helpful Resources for the Team	p. 190
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