Lord, my God, I call out by day; at night I cry aloud in your presence. Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry; For my soul is filled with troubles; my life draws near to Sheol. - Psalm 88:1-4
Hope and Healing
This page encompasses ministries or parish run groups that support bereavement, mental health, separation/divorce.
Unhealthy Relationships or resources for those that may be concerned about domestic violence are available in a drop down tab to the left on it's own page.
Bereavement support is offered at several locations in the Catholic Cemeteries Association system. Including "Drop in" support groups.
There are parishes throughout the Diocese that also offer bereavement support groups that provide structured sessions. social support.
We have now joined with RED BIRD ministries and have some parishes that are working to offer support for those with pregnancy, infant or child loss. Red Bird has a downloadable ap that many experiencing loss can find helpful.
Grieving with Great Hope by John and Sandy O'Shaughnessy
Some folks may not choose to attend a group, this is a Video Resource online through "Formed" which offers a study guide and leader guide that a grieving person can be directed to for personal use. A pastoral leader can also use this resource on their own at a parish to run a group at a parish.
In addition, Grief, Day by Day, a book written by Jan Warner offers practical tips and guidance for living with loss in an easy to read format.
During Advent, parishes may offer a Blue Christmas Prayer Service. This may be of great comfort to those who have lost loved ones and are experiencing grief. We have created a Blue Christmas toolkit to help with hosting this type of service.
Please don't hesitate to contact us if you would like some help finding counselors or bereavement support groups.
We have a Lord who is capable of crying with us, capable of walking with us in the most difficult moments of life. - Pope Francis
Struggling? Reach out EARLY-- most regret that they didn't ask for support sooner!
Separated or Divorced without an annulment?
Contact us. We can connect you with someone you can talk to.
Abounding Joy has online virtual support Groups
Divorced?
Beginning Experience® is a 50 year old Catholic peer ministry recognized by the USCCB. The ministry serves those who have lost a spousal relationship due to death, divorce, or separation. All programs are facilitated by volunteer peers who are also along this grief journey. The facilitators share their experiences with personal testimonies and then listen to and accompany those who join the program. This June, we are offering a one day Zoom program In the Beginning…Coping with Life Alone. It will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 9AM to 4PM EDT or 8AM to 3PM CDT. Registration is required- contact Jim at 845 220 7883 or Denise at 845 325 3147.
Online Courses
Sacred Steps to Peace
Let the Church always be a place of mercy and hope, where everyone is welcomed, loved and forgiven. - Pope Francis
The Tribunal of the Diocese of Cleveland offers a program for beginning the annulment process. The First Step Program is meant to provide individuals with a simplified method for the initial presentation of a case to the Tribunal.
Additional resources for those who are separated include the book "The Gift of Self", Retrouvaille and other programs that assist with healing, reconciliation, and rebuilding of relationships.
Many parishes offer AA or NA meetings and Catholic Charities has multiple therapeutic treatment providers in North East Ohio. The Intake phone number is 1-800-860-7373. Please reach out for support.
For a little more background, Start Your Recovery is a groundbreaking website developed by bringing together experts in substance misuse treatment from leading nonprofit, academic, and government institutions. You can learn more about us here. Through this resource, members of your community can:
Need immediate help? Text "4HOPE" to 741-741
Locally, we have Catholic Charities and they have a central intake line that can be reached between 8am-4pm, Monday-Friday, 1-800-860-7373. They offer too many services to be listed here, but please visit their website.
The Ohio CareLine has been developed as an emotional support call service. Behavioral health professionals staff the CareLine 24/7. This is confidential and can help connect callers to additional services. Call 1-800-720-9616
Child & Youth Protection
Our promise to protect, our pledge to heal.
To report an abuse, please contact local law enforcement and:
Kathleen McComb, Victim Assistance Coordinator
Response Services – 216-334-2999
Catholic Diocese of Cleveland © 2025
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