Dealing with the loss of a loved one can be challenging. But when that loss is the result of suicide, there may be stigma and shame that can make it even more difficult for survivors to heal.
Terri Yohman, director of the Diocese of Cleveland Office for Marriage and Family Ministry, works with parish bereavement groups to ensure they have the support and resources necessary to aid those who need their services. Often these ministries are a first step for those grieving the loss of a loved one. But Yohman said things became even more challenging for some during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parish-based bereavement groups may offer comfort, peer support and a social network to help the grieving. However, there are instances when more intense or focused support from a trained professional might be needed. Dealing with a death by suicide is one possible scenario.
“These are very sensitive issues,” Yohman said.
To help those in need of these resources, Yohman said her office -- in concert with some parish bereavement ministers and Cornerstone of Hope -- is planning a special 10-week, closed bereavement support group beginning Sept. 12 at St. Albert the Great Parish in North Royalton.
Cornerstone of Hope, which is guided by the Christian values of compassion and service, has a variety of services dedicated to providing counseling, support and education as they journey with clients on the pathway to hope. The nonprofit was founded in 2003 by a local Catholic couple who lost their seemingly healthy 3-year-old son suddenly to an infection caused by bacterial meningitis.
The program, which will be conducted by two professional counselors from Cornerstone of Hope, will be limited to 15 people who complete an intake process and are accepted for the group. Yohman invites anyone who is seeking help after a loss from suicide and is interested in the program to contact her at tyohman@dioceseofcleveland.org or to call 216-696-6525, Ext. 2322.
Once she speaks with the interested people, Yohman will direct them to a bereavement minister to complete the intake/application process. Participants will be expected to make a commitment to attend all 10 sessions, which will last about 90 minutes to two hours each. There will be a small charge for the program.
“They will work with a professional counselor guiding them in a group setting,” she said. Hopefully, when the program concludes, Yohman said participants will have formed a bond and a social network to continue supporting each other. “They may even be able to help expand the program on a parish level,” she added.
Looking to the future, Yohman hopes to offer additional focused bereavement programs for those dealing with other specialized areas of loss such as from opioids or the death of a child.
In addition to parish-based bereavement groups, Catholic Cemeteries Association offers a variety of resources for the grieving. For more information, contact Rhonda Abrams, bereavement coordinator, rabrams@clecem.org or call 216-930-4866.
Click here for more information on the special bereavement program for those suffering after a loss from suicide or for a link to contact Yohman.
Photos: CNS/Dave Hrbacek,The Catholic Spirit