Service Ministry and Pastoral Care
Support Groups
Trained personnel serve as confidantes and assist individuals/families who are grieving any significant loss. These ministers also facilitate monthly support groups, assist in planning and conducting wake services, and offer ongoing support after the funeral.
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPS
NAPERVILLE
St. Raphael Grief Support 1215 Modaff Road.
This group is for parents who have lost a child. Meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 7:30-9:00 p.m. For information or to register, call (630-355-4545, ext. 129, or 163) or e-mail (Anne Hillebrand, or Margaret Huck) the Service Ministry and Pastoral Care Office.
Journey to Wholeness Grief Support
Open to anyone with the loss of a loved one. Meets at Edward Hospital, Room #307 in the Education Center every Wednesday morning from 10:00-11:30am and on Thursday from 7:30-9:00 p.m. Pre-registration is not required and free of charge. Call Pastoral Care at Edward Hospital (630) 527-5056.
St. Thomas Grief Support 1500 Brookdale Road.
Meets the 1 & 3 Wednesday of each month from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Rectory Basement Center. Contact (630) 355-8980, ext. 108.
BOLINGBROOK
St. Francis of Assisi,325 Whitewater Dr.
For any loss through death. Meets in parish office 2nd Thursday 7:30 p.m. Contact (630) 759-7588.
CAROL STREAM
CNS Hospice 690 E. North Avenue, Carol Stream
Contact: Peter Starr, (630) 933-7888. Registration required. Offering Life After Loss support group. Drop-in groups available Wednesday between 10:00 and 11:30 a.m. and Thursday evening between 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. A support group is also available for those devastated by the loss of a child. It meets on Tuesday nights between 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. on a every other-week basis.
ELMHURST
Elmhurst Memorial Hospital "Coping With Grief"
A ten-week general grief group for adults. Meets at the hospital in the Bates Conference Room at 6:30 p.m. Those interested in the group may enter the group at any time. For more information call at 630/833-1400, ext. 47058.
LISLE
Trinity Lutheran Church "Grief Share"
Located on the east side of Rt. 53, ½ mile south of Maple Avenue. This is a 13 session video seminar series with small group discussions. Each session is self-contained, so that you do not have to attend in sequence; you may start at any time. Sessions are offered on Tuesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. and on Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. For information or to register, call (630) 964-1279, ext. 229.
HINSDALE
Hinsdale and LaGrange Hospital support group for grief recovery
A ten-week group offered on Monday evenings from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Location alternates between Hinsdale and LaGrange Hospitals. Pre-registration required, call Pastoral Care at Hinsdale Hospital (630) 856-3920 or LaGrange Hospital at (708) 482-1547 to register.
WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS - ANEW
ANEW arose out of the need for a safe place for widowed men and women to go when they are ready to turn the corner in their grief journey and begin to socialize again.
While ANEW is not a grief support group, we are able to provide understanding, and information, if requested, to obtain grief support. Our mission is to provide a social atmosphere for those individuals who have made the decision to try to move forward. We offer an opportunity to enjoy fellowship and friendship -- to begin living again!
ANEW meetings are held on the last Friday of the month at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 1215 Modaff, Naperville IL at 7:30 p.m. Social Activities are scheduled throughout the months.
NEW BEGINNINGS
This self-help group, which began at St. Raphael Church in October, 1978, is for the separated, divorced or widowed and meets weekly on Tuesdays from 7:15 - 9:15 p.m. Speakers, recreational and spiritual activities and discussion groups are offered to members.
RAINBOWS
This peer support group is for children in grades K - 8 who have experienced a deep personal loss, usually the loss of a parent through separation, divorce or death. Groups meet for fall and winter sessions on Wednesdays, 6:15 - 7:15 p.m. Volunteer parishioners receive training and are provided with plans, materials and resources to facilitate the groups. The only requirement is a love for children and a desire to be a loving listener.