ABOUT THE PIETA MINISTRY OF
ST. ANTHONY SHRINE & MINISTRY CENTER
1. Do I have to be Catholic to participate in this ministry?
No. You do not have to be Catholic to participate in this ministry. However, we do incorporate Catholic teachings and liturgies into our programs.
2. Does it matter how or when my child died?
No, it doesn't matter how or when your child died. We have parents whose children have died as the result of illness, accident, suicide, and violence. Children's ages at death range from neonatal to adult. All are welcome.
3. How do I know if it is too soon after the death of my child to participate in this ministry?
There is no perfect time when it is good to participate or not participate. We firmly believe that the Holy Spirit will guide you. If this is something you feel you would like to try, then the time is right for you.
4. How does this ministry differ from other groups for bereaved parents?
The mission of the Pieta Ministry of St. Anthony Shrine & Ministry Center is to provide a variety of programs focused on spiritual assistance for bereaved parents and the spirituality of the grieving process.
5. Why do you call this a "ministry," as opposed to a support group?
In many ways, this ministry is a support group. However, we call it a "ministry" because we are focused primarily on providing spiritual help. Other reasons we call it a ministry...
- It focuses on your spiritual needs, as opposed to the needs of a group.
- It requires no sharing of information or story, unless you feel totally comfortable doing so with other parents. It is always acceptable to "pass."
- In focusing on the spiritual perspective in dealing with the death of your child, it seeks to help you to answer such questions as, "Where is God in all of this... Where is God in my life right now... How could God let this happen... Where do I turn now that God has abandoned me... Will I ever see my child again... Where is my child right now.. How can I ensure that any good comes from all of this horror...
- It is supported by Franciscan Friars who are committed to repairing that which is broken.
- It is supported by a dedicated group of other grieving parents, many of whom understand where you've been and where you are in this journey.
Because many of us have found that the spiritual perspective is what is needed most as this time in our lives. Many of us have found much comfort and healing in focusing on our relationship with God and with our children in the eternal afterlife. It's what sets this group apart from many other groups serving bereaved parents.
7. I am not especially religious, particularly now. Will I get anything at all out of this ministry?
Yes! While the ministry incorporates various teachings and liturgies of the Catholic Church, no practice or observance of "religion" is absolutely necessary--other than an openness to hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit in our lives, as we make our way through this long and difficult journey.
8. Who are the Franciscans and what is their mission?
Franciscan Friars are men who belong to an Order of the Catholic Church founded by St. Francis of Assisi in 1209. The mission of the Order is to follow the directive of St. Francis: "We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to bring home those who have lost their way." At St. Anthony Shrine & Ministry Center in Boston, twenty-six Friars live together in community. In 2009, with the help of bereaved parents, they introduced the Pieta Ministry because of the need for spiritual direction in the grieving process for parents whose children have died.
9. How can the Friars relate to my pain as a parent whose child has died?
All of the Friars readily admit that there is no way that they can possibly know the depth and breadth of our pain. Yet, their deep spirituality, combined with their experience in working with many grieving parents, enables them to offer the comfort and insights that often help grieving parents begin the healing process and grow spiritually.
10. I don't live near Boston. How can I bring this ministry to my area?
If you are a bereaved parent and interested in bringing this ministry to your area, we may be able to help you organize a similar program. Email us at pietaministry@stanthonyshrine or call Diane at 617-542-6440, Ext. 116.
