Source: Office of Discipleship and Evangelization
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. The following events are offered locally for those who have experienced or been affected by a pregnancy or infant loss.
- Tree of Life Memorial: Saturday, Oct. 11, 10-11 a.m., Como Park Butterfly Lot
- In 1993, the St. Paul Deanery CCW planted a Norway Spruce in Como Park near a fountain at Kaufman Drive and Lexington Avenue to honor babies who died in their mother’s wombs. Later a plaque and bench were dedicated. Every second Saturday in October people are invited to gather for a memorial service with songs and reflections, and an opportunity to share stories of their own losses of children (born and unborn). There will be signs on Lexington Avenue and in Como Park to point the way. Park in the Butterfly Lot (you can find this on Google Maps or Apple Maps).
- The Mystery of Grief: Tuesdays, Oct. 14- Dec. 2, 7-8:15 p.m., virtual event
- A seven-week virtual grief support group using the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary to help find meaning and hope in community. Each week you will reflect on a mystery, connect with one another, and explore how Christ’s suffering speaks into our own. Together you seek to recognize His presence in your darkest moments and His promise of resurrection. You are not alone–Jesus is with you, and so are we. (No meeting Nov. 25. Space limited to 10 participants. Exclusive for RBM app). Reach out to elizabeth@redbird.love for registration information or to ask questions.
- Wave of Light Memorial Event: Wednesday, Oct. 15, 7- 8 p.m., Epiphany, Coon Rapids
- This is an event honoring children lost to miscarriage and stillbirth.
- Book Study: Wednesdays, Oct. 15-Nov. 19, 6:30-9 p.m., virtual event
- This book study will focus on Hiding in the Upper Room: How the Catholic Sacraments Healed me from the Grief of Child Loss by Kelly Breaux, co-founder of Red Bird Ministries. Go to Red Bird’s site to buy the book and study booklet. Please contact Regina Quiñones at (904) 910-7221 or rquinones.redbirdministries@gmail.com to register or if you have questions.
- Journeying Through Grief Support Group: Thursdays once a month beginning Oct. 16, 7 p.m., St. John the Baptist, New Brighton, Room 210
- This is a faith-informed support group for all types of loss. The next few meeting dates are: Oct. 16 (regular meeting in Room 210), Nov. 20 (in Remembrance Prayer Service in Chapel of the Angels) and Dec. 18 (Grief and the Holidays Prayer Service in the Chapel of the Angels).
- Miscarriage and Infant Loss Support Group: Saturdays once a month beginning Oct. 25, 8:45 a.m. (following 8 a.m. Mass,) Epiphany, Coon Rapids, Bride’s Room
- This support group meets once a month at the Church of the Epiphany in Coon Rapids following the Saturday morning 8:00AM Mass. Meetings are held in the Bride’s Room at 8:45AM. The next few meeting dates are: 10/25, 11/22, and 12/20.
