The aim of the Bethany Group, which at present consists of 3 parishioners, is to support those in our Parish who are bereaved. The group meets every two months. We pray for all those who are bereaved, and then one of our members is assigned to a particular bereaved person. The assigned member contacts the bereaved person usually about 4 - 6 weeks after the funeral by telephone or if this is not possible by letter. We aim to give individual personal support by listening and understanding and by being sensitive to the bereaved person's thoughts and feelings. By walking with the bereaved the Bethany Group members hope to help lessen the bereaved person's sense of isolation.

We aim to recognise the emptiness that the loss of the loved one is causing the bereaved person and to give the individual encouragement towards new wholeness. An Annual Mass is held in November for the special intentions of all those coming to terms with the loss of a loved one. A Mass for the families of children who have died is planned for the Spring of 2009.

There is a special book with names of the bereaved which rests on the Baptismal Font in St Norbert's Church. We invite parishioners to submit the names of loved ones to be included in this book.

If you would like to know more about the Bethany Group contact Diana Smith, Sue Drew or Doris Rawding or fill in a contact form and we will get back to you.