New Day Bereavement Program at Oxford Church

New Day Bereavement Program at Oxford Church

OXFORD - Those who are grieving the death of a loved one need to proactively work through their grief. One way that might be helpful is to participate in the bereavement support group called the New Day Program. This program, which has been conducted at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 733 Oxford Road, has proven to be very successful in helping the bereaved move on to a life without their loved one.

The New Day Program consists of ten two-hour weekly meetings. During each meeting, participants work through one component of the grieving process, guided by the New Day Journal. Each meeting begins with prayer, followed by reflection and sharing. Everything that is shared during the meetings is held confidential. Aside from the sharing, an important part of each meeting is journaling, which has has been found to be an excellent tool to elicit thoughts and feelings which give us insights into ourselves. Through journaling we are better able to see where we have been in our relationship with our loved one and where we are now. As participants later reflect on these journal entries they may become more hopeful since most people see progress that they might not have noticed had it not been for the journaling.

Each person has his or her own timetable and unique way of grieving. The New Day Program has brought comfort and hope to many as they try to fill the void in their life that has been created as a result of the loss of their loved one. We hope you will consider joining us at the next New Day Program, which is scheduled to begin on Monday, October 19 from 1:00-3:00pm in the lower parish center. Registration can be made by calling the Parish Office at 203-888-2382 ext 121 or maryjane.st.thomas@sbcglobal.net