^{February 2025 Edition}

"But I know, somehow, that only when it is dark enough can you see the stars."

~Martin Luther King Jr.

"I find this ministry humbling, challenging, and rewarding. I would recommend the Catholic Cemeteries Association grief support groups because the leaders are well trained and supported in their leadership role at each cemetery."

Sister Nancy is a member of the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland and spent 24 years in secondary education at Villa Angela High School, Beaumont School, and Villa Angela Saint Joseph High School.

ABOUT

EXPERIENCE

She began her chaplain ministry in 1998 at Hillcrest Hospital, managing the Sacramental Schedule and organizing a Pastoral Care Department with volunteer ministers. She also established a Grief Support Group for families of patients who passed away. Later, she became a certified CPE Supervisor, training others to become chaplains.

Her hobby is managing her community's Merci Mart. They sell basic items to sisters who cannot go out. Shoppers can purchase items at cost. For example, Kleenex, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bar and liquid soap, hand sanitizer, lotion, deodorant, etc. They also have a wide variety of greeting cards to choose from and some seasonal items for fun!

HOBBIES

GRIEF SUPPORT

Sister Nancy recommends the Catholic Cemeteries Association grief groups because of their open-style, allowing participants to come and go as needed. People naturally know when to step away, gaining confidence in life without their loved one and passing on the support they received to others. This flexible approach allows grieving individuals to seek support in various settings while returning as needed.

The Healing Power of Journaling

When you experience a loss, the whirlwind of emotions- sadness, anger, confusion- can feel as though you are being weighed down by a heavy, silent burden. Without an outlet, these emotions can affect our mental and physical health. Writing in a journal can provide a release, a way to pour out these emotions onto the page, which can help lighten the burden of grief. 

Read More

Global Grief:

California Wildfires

Grief is a universal emotion, one that goes beyond borders, cultures, and circumstances. It connects us through shared experiences of loss and reminds us of the fragile beauty of life.

Read More

The Catholic Cemeteries Association will be hosting our next in-person and virtual grief support groups on Sunday, February 16th. In-person groups will meet at 3pm, and the virtual group will meet at 5pm via Zoom.

We offer a comfortable, private, and encouraging environment where you are free to explore your grief and all that you are feeling.

Grief support groups meet in the main offices:

• All Saints Cemetery, Northfield
• All Souls Cemetery, Chardon
• Calvary Cemetery, Cleveland
• Holy Cross Cemetery, Akron
• Holy Cross Cemetery, Brook Park
• St. Joseph Cemetery, Avon

For those not able to attend our in-office grief support groups, we welcome you to join our monthly VIRTUAL grief support group. In a comfortable and supportive environment, you'll find a warm fellowship of people with similar grief experiences. You can join by computer or by phone.

Come.

Listen.

Be in the presence of those who understand.

Meetings are free of charge and are open discussion format, surrounding a monthly topic or whatever is on your heart. The upcoming February 16th meeting topic is:

"What's Normal in Grief?"

Register for our Virtual Sunday Grief Support here.

Learn more about our in-person Sunday Grief Support groups here. 

MASSES IN HONOR OF THE ONE-YEAR DEATH ANNIVERSARY

OF OUR DEARLY DEPARTED LOVED ONES.

We understand the one-year anniversary of the death of your loved one can bring a resurgence of the initial grief you felt. We continue our support of you with a special card sent near the one-year anniversary and with this annual commemorative Mass.

This year we have three Masses you can select to attend based on which day, time, and location is most convenient for you. The Mass intention of our One-Year Anniversary is honored during the regular Masses at the following parishes:

St. Ladislas, Westlake, will be offering an 8-week support group in the mornings beginning January 30th through March 20th. Participants are encouraged to register with the parish office at 440-835-2300.

Walk-ins are accepted through the second week, February 6th. After that, interested parties can wait for the next session!

Messages from Heaven-

New Beginnings

This episode explores the theme of new beginnings, showcasing personal stories that highlight the guiding signs from loved ones after loss. Each story emphasizes the importance of embracing change, seeking community, and connecting past memories to future possibilities. 

You can also listen to CCAirwaves on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

Do you have a story you would like to share for the podcast?: Click here!

Our Bereavement Resource Guide is a useful reference tool with information about local and online grief support resources. Click the button below to access the guide.