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.

Upcoming retreat date(s): 

Beginning Experience ministry is pleased to announce their upcoming “Coping With Life Alone,” a retreat day for men and women coping with the loss of marriage through divorce, separation, or death. The program will be offered on Saturday, August 28 at 9 am-5pm at St. Mary Parish (Escondido). It is a day of guided reflection and sharing to encourage each participant on his or her own healing journey.  For registration or questions, contact Vicki at (858) 748-2273 or by email at BeginningExperienceSD@gmail.com.

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.

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.
• Seasons of Hope Saint Brigid Brochure

Mission San Diego de Alcala

• In addition to assisting at Funeral and Memorial masses, the Mission’s Bereavement Ministry offers two unique, compassionate groups to assist mourners through their healing process.  The Seasons of Hope group helps explore mourning through scripture, prayer, reflection activities and faith sharing.  Facilitators provide participants with journals for each Season.  The Grief Support Group allows members of the faith community to share their journey with licensed mental health professionals.  Contact Dr. Roberta Flynn with questions regarding either group, drrflynn@hotmail.com or (619) 980-9244.  See their calendar here.  Please note that the Mission’s Bereavement ministry is still meeting every 1st and 3rd Wednesday via Zoom during the pandemic.

St. Anthony of Padua (National City)

• Beginning in February 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.