Fall River, MA – The loss of a family member or friend in death is the greatest loss one faces. Most of us are physically, emotionally and spiritually affected by the death of a loved one. 

To help those who have lost a loved one, Saint Anne’s Hospital’s Office of Spiritual Care offers two grief education and bereavement series to meet the needs of area residents. Separate programs – one in English and one conducted in Portuguese – invite those who have lost a loved one to share and explore their feelings, and learn ways to accept and to cope with their grief, in a confidential, compassionate and safe setting.

Held September through June, both series are facilitated by Sister Judith A. Costa, S.S.D., M. Div., a member of Saint Anne’s Spiritual Care team who is bilingual English-Portuguese. Sr. Judith is certified in thanatology (death, dying and bereavement) and is a certified pastoral counselor, academy certified master chaplain level three, and fellow in the American Psychotherapy Association.  

All sessions are held from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Stoico/FIRSTFED Center for Breast Care at Saint Anne's Hospital, Fall River. Participants are welcome to attend any or all sessions throughout the year. There is no charge, and advance registration is not required.  

For more information, or to speak to a chaplain, contact Sister Judith Costa, 508-345-2660. 

The 2019-2020 schedule of topics includes:

In English:
2019:
September 4: Healing Old Wounds
September 18: The Role of Forgiveness in Grief
October 2: Stumbling Blocks to Healing Grief
October 16: Ways to Remember the Dead
November 13: How to Grieve and Give Thanks
December 11: The Meaning of Christmas after Loss

2020:
January 8: The Joy-Guilt Syndrome
January 22: Depression and Grief
February 12: How to Heal a Broken Heart
February 19: Transforming Pain into Power
March 4: Dealing With Guilt and Shame
March 18: Understanding Anger that Comes with Grief
April 1: The Art of Self-Acceptance
April 22: Grief and Faith Questions
May 6: Continuing Bonds with the Deceased
May 20: Relearning How to Pray
June 3: The Art of Developing Resilience

In Portuguese:
2019:
Outubro 23: Lembrando com amor osnossos defuntos
Dezembro 18: O significado do Natalquando em luto

2020
Março 25: A esperança que Jesus nosdeixou
Maio 27: A Bíblia e os sonhos