Catholic parishes offer support to those grieving loved ones

Two Finger Lakes-area parishes are offering ministries intended to comfort those grieving the loss of a spouse, child, family member or friend.

Both St. Benedict Parish in Canandaigua and East Bloomfield and the Auburn parishes of St. Mary and Sts. Mary and Martha offer GriefShare, a Christ-centered grief support group ministry.

Starting Feb. 23, GriefShare sessions will take place Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Dougherty Hall at St. Mary Church, 95 N. Main St. in Canandaigua. There is a $25 registration fee for the sessions, which also will be offered remotely via Zoom.

St. Benedict Parish also is offering a seminar for those grieving the loss of a spouse. It will take place Feb. 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Dougherty Hall or online via Zoom. To learn more, call 585-999-5771 or email drgerland@gci.net.

In Auburn, GriefShare sessions are offered Wednesday afternoons at 1:30 p.m. in Schrader Hall at St. Mary Church, 15 Clark St. To learn more, contact Bernie Tomasso at 315-246-3440 or berniet8@gmail.com.