Adult Grief Support Group and Comfort Cafes

Waves splashing on rocks

“Grief is like the ocean, it comes in waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim.” -Vicki Harrison

Who Attends the Group

This Adult Grief Support Group is filled with compassionate and kind individuals who are all grieving and healing from the loss of a partner, child, and/or family member. Though held in a church, all demographics and religions are welcome. All stages of grief are welcome, as well.

If you feel alone or like you’re being a burden to your family and friends, this group will provide you with a place to talk and connect with others who understand and want to be there for you. This group will help you understand the grieving process by learning from others, and you will learn that there’s no “right or wrong” way to grieve and mourn.

About the Group

This specific group offers a 12-week program that occurs twice a year between September-December and February-May.

The group follows the Companioning Model of Grief Support by Dr. Alan Wolfelt and refers to Wolfelt’s Understanding Your Grief materials.

It is free to attend and the parish will supply the participants with a workbook.

For more info about the group and/or to register, please contact griefministry@stbenedictparish.org  with your name and phone number. Mary Helen will reach out with details.

GROUP INFORMATION

Contacts:

Grief Ministry Co-leaders, Mary Helen Gammon and Jane Talbot

Location:

St. Benedict Catholic Church

950 Darrell Creek Trail

Mount Pleasant, SC 29466

Phone: 843-216-0039

Email:

griefministry@stbenedictparish.org

Website for more information:

https://www.stbenedictparish.org/grief-ministry

Rules to the Group:

Though it’s a group, it’s meant to be a good support source for you as an individual. All members are encouraged to contribute by sharing their personal feelings while listening to others. Please try to refrain from advising on how someone should be grieving; however, please offer any suggestions that worked for you and your healing process. As you discover yourself, you don’t know what you may need now, but you should figure that out without judgment from others. You’re welcome to listen to everyone’s stories and/or ask questions. There are no expectations. All that is asked is that you be respectful and compassionate towards others. 

About the Comfort Cafes

In addition to the Grief Support Group, St. Benedict’s offers a place for grievers to meet twice a month as another way to connect. These gatherings are more casual and informal. They are called Comfort Cafes. Also sometimes referred to as Good Grief Cafes.

Just drop-in. Regular attendance is not mandatory nor do you need to sign-up.

This is offered twice a month, the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month, from 10:00am to 11:30am.

COMFORT CAFE INFORMATION

Contact:

Comfort Cafe Volunteer, Mary Lowe-Murphy

Email:

marymurphy2000@hotmail.com

Location:

St. Benedict Catholic Church

950 Darrell Creek Trail

Mount Pleasant, SC 29466

When:

Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month

Time:

10:00am – 11:30am

Duration: 90 minutes

Price: FREE

Questions or Individual Therapy

Please note these are trained lay leaders and not professional counsellors/therapists.

Please contact the co-leaders for any additional questions. If you’d like to set up an individual therapy session with me, please follow this link or call 843-597-6497.

Additional Related Resources

5 Reasons Grief Comes in Waves (And How to Deal with It)

Quick Tips for Moving On from a Friendship Breakup

Support Groups for Breakups and How They Can Help

Mental Health Benefits of Having a Dog

Quick Tips: Self-care for the Caregiver