Loss of a Loved One

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” – (Matthew 5:4)

General Resources for the Loss of a Loved One

Beginning Experience Weekend

This weekend program is intended for those suffering the loss of a love relationship as widowed, divorced or separated, who are ready to come to terms with that loss and move forward with their lives.

Helps grieving persons focus on their experience and emerge from the darkness of grief into the light of a new beginning.
Offers an opportunity, through God, for turning the pain of loss into a basis for positive growth.
Founded by a Catholic nun and rooted in the Christian tradition, the ministry’s open, inclusive spirit serves those of all faiths.

For more information or to register for a weekend, please see Beginning Experience San Diego.

Upcoming retreat date(s):

– April 28-30, 2023
– October 13-15, 2023

Catholic Widows & Widowers of North County (CWWNC)

We are a non-profit social group of friendly Catholic ladies and gentlemen. Every month, our members enjoy happy hours, dinners, hikes and lively conversation, and we invite you to join us! Click here to go to their website and see their calendar of events.

The Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents

The mission of The Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents is based in the Catholic, Franciscan tradition of “All are Welcome. Their mission is to serve the spiritual needs of grieving parents whose children of any age have died by any cause; and help interested parents, as well as Clergy, Religious, Diocesan Staff, and/or Spiritual Directors bring this ministry to their own parishes or regions.

Red Bird Ministries

Red Bird was founded on helping parents address the profound healing that needs to happen while also honoring the memory of the child. Our unique value is in the attention given to protect the individual, the marriage, and other relationships from a spectrum of issues that can compound and lead to dysfunction.

Grief Support Guide

The Grief Support Guide provides nonprofit resources here in San Diego and nationally to help families experiencing the loss of a baby. It was developed as a collaboration between the County of San Diego Health & Human Services Agency Maternal, Child, an Family Health Services (MCFHS) Branch with the Fetal and Infant Mortality Review Program Community Action Team – Health Messages Taskforce.

For information on reproductive loss (infertility, miscarriage or post-abortion healing), please see our Reproductive Loss web page.

The Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents

The mission of The Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents is based in the Catholic, Franciscan tradition of “All are Welcome. Their mission is to serve the spiritual needs of grieving parents whose children of any age have died by any cause; and help interested parents, as well as Clergy, Religious, Diocesan Staff, and/or Spiritual Directors bring this ministry to their own parishes or regions.

Red Bird Ministries

Red Bird was founded on helping parents address the profound healing that needs to happen while also honoring the memory of the child. Our unique value is in the attention given to protect the individual, the marriage, and other relationships from a spectrum of issues that can compound and lead to dysfunction.

For information on reproductive loss (miscarriage or post-abortion healing), please see our Reproductive Loss web page.

Please see our Suicide Awareness page for more information on grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide.

St. Brigid’s (San Diego)

Our Ministry of Consolation offers a seasonal bereavement group. Seasons of Hope is a Christ-centered grief support group for those in need of consolation after losing a loved one. Each series consists of six consecutive weekly meetings, with a new series offered four times a year. The six week series is a small group journey – as opposed to a drop-in group. Each session includes prayer, Scripture, faith-sharing, and fellowship facilitated by the bereavement ministry team. To pre-register or for more information, please contact Lee Hulburt.

Mission San Diego de Alcala

In addition to assisting at Funeral and Memorial Masses, the Mission’s Bereavement Ministry provides an online Grief Support Group via Zoom to provide a compassionate way to assist mourners through their healing journey. We use The Seasons of Hope journals which help explore mourning through scripture, prayer, reflection and faith sharing. Facilitators assist mourners in sharing their journey. Meetings are usually on the 1^st and 3^rd Thursdays of the month from 7 to 8 PM. Bereavement Ministry members and Grief Support Group attendees are invited to one or two in-person gatherings or potlucks each year. The Bereavement Ministry usually offers one or two workshops each year covering topics of interest for all parishioners. For additional information, contact Dr. Roberta Flynn at drrflynn@hotmail.com or 619-980-9244.

St. Anthony of Padua (National City)

Beginning again in September 2021, el Ministerio de Duelo de San Antonio de Padua meets every Wednesday (7:00-9:00 pm) over Zoom. If you or someone you love is looking for a grief group in Spanish, please contact their parish office. (619) 477-4520

Ascension (Tierrasanta)

The Grief Support Group of Ascension Catholic Church believes that before we know it, that God brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be with that person as God has been there for us. For more information about the group or to attend a monthly meeting, please contact Sandy Canzoneri at (858) 565-2101.

The Diocese of Stockton has assembled resources to assist with the unique experience of grieving during COVID-19.

Grief and Loss in Times of COVID (LMU Center for Religion and Spirituality)

Grief Support-Diocese of Stockton