St. Benedict Catholic Church

HELP AND ENCOURAGEMENT AFTER THE DEATH OF A LOVED ONE Grief is a complex and often overwhelming experience. The emotions that surface during this time can be painful and confusing, making it difficult to know how to move forward. Whether your bereavement is recent or occurred some time ago, this can be a unique opportunity to connect with people who truly understand what you are going through. About GriefShare® This 13-week support group program is designed to help you learn what to anticipate in the days ahead and to recognize that there is no single “right” way to grieve. There are no neat or predictable stages of grief; instead, the journey is unique for each person. What to Expect Each week you can expect to view a 30-minute video filled with helpful guidance, discuss grief-related issues, and gain personal recovery tips through your participant workbook. Each session is self-contained so you may join at any week, but registration is required. Facilitators and Registration Sharon Hoffman, a widow and parishioner of St. Benedict Church and Sister Kateri Battaglia, MSC, will serve as facilitators. Feel free to contact Sharon at hoffmansha@charter.net; Sister Kateri at srkaterimsc@yahoo.com or 504-453-0618. To register go online to griefshare.org/findagroup. A Registration/Participant Fee of $25 is payable to St. Benedict Catholic Church. Schedule and Location This GriefShare® support group will meet every Tuesday, beginning on January 20 and continuing through April 21, 2026. Please note that there will be no session on Mardi Gras. Meetings are scheduled from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM in the Catechetical Center at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Covington, LA. Support and Understanding in GriefShare® Many individuals who attend GriefShare® sessions consistently express that they experience a sense of comfort and encouragement by being surrounded by others who genuinely comprehend the challenges of grief.

The Parish Office closed at noon on Friday, December 19th and will re-open Monday, January 5th, in observance of Christmas and New Year’s. We would like to wish everyone a very Blessed and Merry Christmas, and for those who will be traveling a safe trip to and from their destinations.

There will be a second collection at Mass on Christmas to help cover the salaries and expenses of priests serving as Hospital and Hospice Chaplains, Chaplains at Nursing Homes and High Schools, and those involved in retreat ministries. We have already been assessed $11,895 for this. Please be generous.

The Lunch Ministry collected enough items for numerous Christmas Baskets. Baskets were delivered and greatly appreciated by all who received them. THANK YOU for your support.