Online Resources for Stress, Tragedy, or Difficult News
Posttraumatic Growth and the Spirituality of Suffering
In this brief September 2020 reflection, Dr. Robert J. Wicks asks, "amidst the disruptions and terrible suffering caused by a pandemic, the question is: What can we do about maintaining a healthy perspective so we can appreciate amidst the darkness and because of the darkness, what new spiritual light we are being called to see?"
In this brief September 2020 reflection, Dr. Robert J. Wicks asks, "amidst the disruptions and terrible suffering caused by a pandemic, the question is: What can we do about maintaining a healthy perspective so we can appreciate amidst the darkness and because of the darkness, what new spiritual light we are being called to see?"
CLICK HERE for the article "Trauma and Youth," including reflections on understanding trauma's affect on faith formation.
CLICK HERE for the article "Story as a Path to Healiing: An Activity for Youth"
CLICK HERE for the article "Story as a Path to Healiing: An Activity for Youth"
CLICK HERE for a variety of quick aids, resources, and materials for use in crisis prevention and response from the UCLA Center for Mental Health in Schools & Student Learning/Supports.
From the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement at USC:
CLICK HERE for Guidelines for Responding to A Death by Suicide
CLICK HERE for Guidelines for After a Loved One Dies -- with a review of how children grieve and how parents and other caring adults can help them better understand
CLICK HERE for Guidelines for Supporting Grieving Children Over the Holidays.
CLICK HERE for Guidelines for Responding to A Death by Suicide
CLICK HERE for Guidelines for After a Loved One Dies -- with a review of how children grieve and how parents and other caring adults can help them better understand
CLICK HERE for Guidelines for Supporting Grieving Children Over the Holidays.
From the Child Mind Institute:
CLICK HERE for How to Help Anxious Kids in Social Situations
CLICK HERE for Helping Children Cope with Frightening News
CLICK HERE for How to Help Anxious Kids in Social Situations
CLICK HERE for Helping Children Cope with Frightening News
CLICK HERE for a Catholic response to people with opioid addiction. (“So many people say, ‘They’ve caused it themselves. They deserve everything they get.’ First, that’s not a Christ-like attitude, and it doesn’t help the person. Second, it doesn’t change the fact that addiction is a chronic, progressive and terminal disease. It takes a lifetime to treat – just like diabetes and heart disease,”)
CLICK HERE for a series of articles from CatholicPhilly.com, exploring how the Catholic Church is facing the opioid addiction crisis and how spiritual resources and pastoral hard work are offering a response of mercy for communities.
CLICK HERE for a series of articles from CatholicPhilly.com, exploring how the Catholic Church is facing the opioid addiction crisis and how spiritual resources and pastoral hard work are offering a response of mercy for communities.
CLICK HERE for "Locked Away: The Toll of Mass Incarceration on Students," from Edutopia, about how children with imprisoned siblings or parents often suffer silently, but learning environments can help confront the stigma and trauma.
CLICK HERE for a video on "Getting Started with Trauma-Informed Practices," from Edutopia, on using strategies tailored to children who have experienced trauma so that all children reap emotional benefits.
CLICK HERE for an article from Edutopia on strategies to help upper elementary and middle school kids who have experienced trauma understand and control their emotions.
CLICK HERE for a video on "Getting Started with Trauma-Informed Practices," from Edutopia, on using strategies tailored to children who have experienced trauma so that all children reap emotional benefits.
CLICK HERE for an article from Edutopia on strategies to help upper elementary and middle school kids who have experienced trauma understand and control their emotions.
CLICK HERE for the "Helping Young People During Grief or Tragedy" page on the website of the Diocese of Youngstown Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry.
CLICK HERE to access Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Youngstown for getting or giving Help.
Grief resources online
This short clip from the Sesame Street episode when Mr. Hooper died may help children cope with death.
Grief Support
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CLICK HERE for "Four Action Steps for Christmas When Your Heart is Hurting," from Dr. Tim Hogan.
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Resources
Praying and Ministering in Difficult Times
Liturgy and Ministry in Times of Need
Liturgy Training Publications, 2020
When our local, national, and global communities face difficult situations, it can be challening to respond in ways that meet the needs. This book offer guidance for ministering compassionately to those in need, and for preparing liturgical prayer in response.
Liturgy Training Publications, 2020
When our local, national, and global communities face difficult situations, it can be challening to respond in ways that meet the needs. This book offer guidance for ministering compassionately to those in need, and for preparing liturgical prayer in response.
Helping those in grief:
Seasons of Hope: Creating and Sustaining Catholic Bereavement Groups
by M. Donna MacLeod
Ave Maria Press, 2007
A comprehensive program for parish leaders that guides them through the steps to create and sustain small bereavement groups. The program is organized into 24 sessions, grouped into four seasons. Each season has its own participant journal.
by M. Donna MacLeod
Ave Maria Press, 2007
A comprehensive program for parish leaders that guides them through the steps to create and sustain small bereavement groups. The program is organized into 24 sessions, grouped into four seasons. Each season has its own participant journal.
A Parish Guide for Bereavement Ministry & Funeral Planning.
by Jill Maria Murdy
Twenty-Third Publications, 2018.
The death of a loved one is a shock, and planning a funeral can feel like a burden in a time of stress and grief. Created for pastoral ministers, deacons, pastors and parish leaders, this booklet is a helpful resource to pastorally accompany Catholic funeral planning - either in advance or after the death of a loved one. It is also a comforting planning tool for Catholics to have at home when facing aging or illness.
by Jill Maria Murdy
Twenty-Third Publications, 2018.
The death of a loved one is a shock, and planning a funeral can feel like a burden in a time of stress and grief. Created for pastoral ministers, deacons, pastors and parish leaders, this booklet is a helpful resource to pastorally accompany Catholic funeral planning - either in advance or after the death of a loved one. It is also a comforting planning tool for Catholics to have at home when facing aging or illness.
Grief: Finding Hope in Sorrow.
by Laura Kelly Fanucci
iturgical Press, 2018.
This 3 session bible study for adults includes questions for group discussion. Loss comes to each of us, without fail. Scripture can serve as a companion to us in the grief we bear and ultimately in our surrender to our compassionate God. Through this set of insightful reflections on the stories of Ruth and Naomi, the death and raising of Jesus' friend Lazarus, and the promise of a new heaven and earth, Laura Kelly Fanucci invites us to a deepening experience of God's healing presence in our lives.
by Laura Kelly Fanucci
iturgical Press, 2018.
This 3 session bible study for adults includes questions for group discussion. Loss comes to each of us, without fail. Scripture can serve as a companion to us in the grief we bear and ultimately in our surrender to our compassionate God. Through this set of insightful reflections on the stories of Ruth and Naomi, the death and raising of Jesus' friend Lazarus, and the promise of a new heaven and earth, Laura Kelly Fanucci invites us to a deepening experience of God's healing presence in our lives.
Send My Roots Rain: A Companion on the Grief Journey
by Kim Langley
Paraclete Press, 2019.
Langley offers comfort and encouragement to those struggling with recent loss or grief, helping them find language for complex emotions, and open their hearts through poetry. Send My Roots Rain is a companion full of stories—sometimes wry and funny, always observant and accepting—for letting grief unfold and teach us. Langley has carefully selected 60 poems and arranged them in a meaningful arc, beginning with the shock of early grief, leading through a sensitive exploration of a new inner space. She introduces each section, encouraging the ongoing embrace of the healing power of poems, writing, and entry into the grieving process. Each poem is followed by a brief meditation and quotation, with questions for contemplation, journaling, or group discussion
by Kim Langley
Paraclete Press, 2019.
Langley offers comfort and encouragement to those struggling with recent loss or grief, helping them find language for complex emotions, and open their hearts through poetry. Send My Roots Rain is a companion full of stories—sometimes wry and funny, always observant and accepting—for letting grief unfold and teach us. Langley has carefully selected 60 poems and arranged them in a meaningful arc, beginning with the shock of early grief, leading through a sensitive exploration of a new inner space. She introduces each section, encouraging the ongoing embrace of the healing power of poems, writing, and entry into the grieving process. Each poem is followed by a brief meditation and quotation, with questions for contemplation, journaling, or group discussion
When a Loved One Fies by Suicide
Compiled and edited by Ed Shoener and John P. Dolan
Ave Maria Press, 2020
Dispels the misconceptions about what the Church teaches about suicide and offers a wealth of guidance and support to help find a path toward healing. Contributors to the book share personal stories of loss, of learning to cope with the crushing grief, finding comfort in faith and community, and discovering hope as they began to move forward again.
Compiled and edited by Ed Shoener and John P. Dolan
Ave Maria Press, 2020
Dispels the misconceptions about what the Church teaches about suicide and offers a wealth of guidance and support to help find a path toward healing. Contributors to the book share personal stories of loss, of learning to cope with the crushing grief, finding comfort in faith and community, and discovering hope as they began to move forward again.
For Children in Grief:
Ida, Always
by Caron Levis & Charles Santoso
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2016
Inspired by a real pair of polar bears (Gus & Ida) in the Central Park Zoo in New York City, this book can help when a loved one receives a terminal diagnosis.
by Caron Levis & Charles Santoso
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2016
Inspired by a real pair of polar bears (Gus & Ida) in the Central Park Zoo in New York City, this book can help when a loved one receives a terminal diagnosis.
How to talk to children about the news
by Patricia Fosarelli
Twenty-third Publications, 2019
Children don’t yet have the life experience to know how to interpret and deal with troubling and frightening news stories. This booklet (22 pages) gives parents and catechists guidance on how to address these news reports, offering ways to help.
by Patricia Fosarelli
Twenty-third Publications, 2019
Children don’t yet have the life experience to know how to interpret and deal with troubling and frightening news stories. This booklet (22 pages) gives parents and catechists guidance on how to address these news reports, offering ways to help.
The Virtue of Resilience.
by James D. Whitehead and Evelyn Eaton Whitehead.
Orbis Books, 2016.
After introducing the concept and the "three Rs of resilience" (recruiting, reframing, resolving) the Whiteheads explore the personal, social, and civic aspects of resilience. They offer examples through stories of individuals (like Rep Gabby Giffords) and even cities (Boston after the Marathon bombing) exploring the emotional, spiritual, and relational bases for recovery and renewal. For all those who work with and counsel people and communities, as well as individuals seeking a better understanding of the resources available to us in times of dislocation and despair The Virtue of Resilience offers much practical advice and inspiration for the struggles we face in our journeys through life.
by James D. Whitehead and Evelyn Eaton Whitehead.
Orbis Books, 2016.
After introducing the concept and the "three Rs of resilience" (recruiting, reframing, resolving) the Whiteheads explore the personal, social, and civic aspects of resilience. They offer examples through stories of individuals (like Rep Gabby Giffords) and even cities (Boston after the Marathon bombing) exploring the emotional, spiritual, and relational bases for recovery and renewal. For all those who work with and counsel people and communities, as well as individuals seeking a better understanding of the resources available to us in times of dislocation and despair The Virtue of Resilience offers much practical advice and inspiration for the struggles we face in our journeys through life.
Church wounds:
Hurting in the Church: A Way Forward for Wounded Catholics.
by Fr. Thomas Berg
Our Sunday Visitor, 2017.
Provides a psychologically wise and spiritually profound path forward for Catholics who have been abused, traumatized, or wounded by other Catholics — especially those in leadership.
by Fr. Thomas Berg
Our Sunday Visitor, 2017.
Provides a psychologically wise and spiritually profound path forward for Catholics who have been abused, traumatized, or wounded by other Catholics — especially those in leadership.
Healing Our Church
by Jerome Herauf and Charles Paolino
Renew International, 2019
A 6-session small group resource which faces the issue of Catholic clergy sexual abuse and helps the faithful contend with the complex emotions brought about by the abuse and cover up, and start on the path to healing and renewed discipleship.
by Jerome Herauf and Charles Paolino
Renew International, 2019
A 6-session small group resource which faces the issue of Catholic clergy sexual abuse and helps the faithful contend with the complex emotions brought about by the abuse and cover up, and start on the path to healing and renewed discipleship.
Polarization in the US Catholic Church: Naming the Wounds, Beginning to Heal
edited by Mary Ellen Konieczny, Chalres C. Camosky, and Tricia C. Bruce
Liturgical Press, 2016
In naming the wounds of a broken church, and exploring their social and religious underpinning, this book underscores how shared beliefs and aspirations can heal deep fissures and the hurts they have cause. Cutting across disciplinary and political lines, this volume bring essential commentary in the direction of reclaimed universality among American Catholics.
edited by Mary Ellen Konieczny, Chalres C. Camosky, and Tricia C. Bruce
Liturgical Press, 2016
In naming the wounds of a broken church, and exploring their social and religious underpinning, this book underscores how shared beliefs and aspirations can heal deep fissures and the hurts they have cause. Cutting across disciplinary and political lines, this volume bring essential commentary in the direction of reclaimed universality among American Catholics.
The Twelve Steps Meet the Gospel: Reflections on Scripture and Stories of Hope for Those in Recovery.
by Dick Rice and Trish Vanni
Twenty-Third Publications, 2017.
Church basements have long been the home of twelve-step recovery groups. Sharing coffee and conversation, real recovery begins. This book, a remarkably fresh and unique take on the Scriptures, shows what could happen if that deeply spiritual sharing moved upstairs, into the body of the church. The authors, both in recovery themselves, bring their experience, strength, and hope to their reflections on Scripture. Organized loosely around the seasons of the liturgical year, their interpretations shed fresh light and power on stories we've heard many, many times. Their distinctive viewpoint will strike responsive chords with anyone who has ever felt out of place, out of step in today's world.
by Dick Rice and Trish Vanni
Twenty-Third Publications, 2017.
Church basements have long been the home of twelve-step recovery groups. Sharing coffee and conversation, real recovery begins. This book, a remarkably fresh and unique take on the Scriptures, shows what could happen if that deeply spiritual sharing moved upstairs, into the body of the church. The authors, both in recovery themselves, bring their experience, strength, and hope to their reflections on Scripture. Organized loosely around the seasons of the liturgical year, their interpretations shed fresh light and power on stories we've heard many, many times. Their distinctive viewpoint will strike responsive chords with anyone who has ever felt out of place, out of step in today's world.
Serious Illness
Stripped: At the Intersection of Cancer, Culture, and Christ.
by Heather King
Loyola Press, 2015.
A heartfelt expression of profound Catholic faith in the face of a cancer diagnosis. It chronicles King’s informed decision not to blindly declare “war on her cancer” but to carefully examine all the medical evidence available and to choose to bring God into her decision making. The book demonstrates how King’s medical and spiritual journey led her to a place of freedom in Christ, where she could make an informed and faith-filled decision about her course of treatment and ultimately, accept her vulnerability. King learned, as we all must, that healing means so much more than simply “getting well."
by Heather King
Loyola Press, 2015.
A heartfelt expression of profound Catholic faith in the face of a cancer diagnosis. It chronicles King’s informed decision not to blindly declare “war on her cancer” but to carefully examine all the medical evidence available and to choose to bring God into her decision making. The book demonstrates how King’s medical and spiritual journey led her to a place of freedom in Christ, where she could make an informed and faith-filled decision about her course of treatment and ultimately, accept her vulnerability. King learned, as we all must, that healing means so much more than simply “getting well."
On Eagle's Wings: A Journey through Illness toward Healing
by Michael Joncas
Twenty-third Publications, 2017
Anyone who has experienced chronic illness themselves or has cared for a suffering loved one will find hope and comfort in this book, as well as strategies for coming to grips with times of powerlessness and overcoming them with trust and confidence in God's goodness. Fr. Joncas (composer of the song "On Eagle's Wings," contracted Guillain-Barre syndrome, encountered its challendes and frustrations, but also grew in spiritual discernment. He offers five key insights.
by Michael Joncas
Twenty-third Publications, 2017
Anyone who has experienced chronic illness themselves or has cared for a suffering loved one will find hope and comfort in this book, as well as strategies for coming to grips with times of powerlessness and overcoming them with trust and confidence in God's goodness. Fr. Joncas (composer of the song "On Eagle's Wings," contracted Guillain-Barre syndrome, encountered its challendes and frustrations, but also grew in spiritual discernment. He offers five key insights.
Encountering Incarceration
Keeping Hope: A Resource for Families and Friends of the Incarcerated.
Karen Henning Heuberger, Ron Zelinger.
Visual Dynamics, 2014.
Keeping Hope, A Resource for Families and Friends of the Incarcerated has content based on actual interviews with spouses, family members, friends, prison ministers, and the incarcerated. This book offers interactive reflections that help the reader to probe his or her own feelings and fears. It offers insight and shares the wisdom of those who have experienced the incarceration of a loved one.
Karen Henning Heuberger, Ron Zelinger.
Visual Dynamics, 2014.
Keeping Hope, A Resource for Families and Friends of the Incarcerated has content based on actual interviews with spouses, family members, friends, prison ministers, and the incarcerated. This book offers interactive reflections that help the reader to probe his or her own feelings and fears. It offers insight and shares the wisdom of those who have experienced the incarceration of a loved one.
Restorative Justice
Harm, Healing, and Human Dignity: A Catholic Encounter with Restorative Justice
Caitlin Morneau
Liturgical Press, 2019
A faith formation resource to help parishes, small groups, and individuals reflect on the Catholic call to restorative justice. Through scripture, Catholic teaching, statistics, and personal stories, each chapter prompts prayerful consideration of how to respond to harm, violence, and the death penalty in the United States.
Caitlin Morneau
Liturgical Press, 2019
A faith formation resource to help parishes, small groups, and individuals reflect on the Catholic call to restorative justice. Through scripture, Catholic teaching, statistics, and personal stories, each chapter prompts prayerful consideration of how to respond to harm, violence, and the death penalty in the United States.
