Grief, Loss and Mental Health
Grief is a profound human experience, but in Catholic teaching, it is not endured alone — it is carried in the presence of Christ. The Church offers hope and consolation, reminding the faithful that sorrow is part of the journey toward eternity. The Church does not dismiss sorrow but embraces it as part of the human experience, offering the promise of eternal hope.
VIDEO
Bethany Tollefson talks about ways to cope with grief. Bethany is the public health ministries coordinator for CentraCare in St. Cloud, as well as a faith community nurse.
PODCAST
Tami and Randy Kruzel’s daughter BriAnna died unexpectedly by unknown causes in 2013 and Scott and Reyne Roeder’s son Jackson died by suicide in 2018.
Tami Kruzel and Scott Roeder took their grief and turned it into advocacy when they began Bri’s Lodge and the Jackson Roeder Legacy fund, respectively. Each bereaved parent shares their grief journey and their hopes to help others with their work. (Minnesota Catholic podcasts)
THE CENTRAL MINNESOTA CATHOLIC ARTICLES
Christ our Light Parish embraces grief and healing in journey to new church
Throughout the whole journey Christ Our Light pastor Father Kevin Anderson has stressed the positive and encouraged parishioners to focus less on what they’re giving up and more on the presence of Christ in it all.
Tollefson: Grief is not a one-size-fits-all deal
Grief comes in many forms, but Christ meets us in them all — offering comfort, strength, and healing when we feel most broken.
Deacon Wocken: Church offers treasury of wisdom to console hearts
Grief touches every heart — but faith transforms sorrow into sacred strength. In our darkest moments, Christ meets us, consoles us, and leads us toward hope.
Father Crane: Grief has a place
In times of unavoidable grief and loss, the Church establishes good, sensitive rules and processes for handling these delicate, powerful moments.
A Legacy of Love: Local woman turns loss into a ministry of comfort
When Tracy Zwilling lost her husband of 36 years, she found herself grappling with overwhelming grief and the frustrating silence that often surrounds it. But her search for connection led to a grief ministry that helped her and now benefits her whole community.
Bishop Neary: We do not grieve as people without hope
Grief shakes us, but it doesn’t define us. In the silence, God speaks. In sorrow, Christ weeps with us. And through faith, healing begins.