Learn about handling grief during the holidays at Nov. 7 program in Naperville

The holidays may be a very painful and difficult time if you and your family have experienced the death of loved ones during the past few years. All around us, our culture celebrates while your heart is heavy, and even the tiniest thing can instantly touch off a tidal wave of sadness.

For help in coping during such an emotional time, come to the free program "Handling Grief During the 2022 Holidays" from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville.

The in-person program will be presented by Paula Kosin, a licensed clinical professional counselor and facilitator of the grief support group at St. Thomas.

Kosin will discuss challenges the upcoming holidays can pose and identify strategies to help experience the season with some quiet joy, including ways to honor deceased loved ones and experience the healing presence of Jesus.

Come by yourself or invite a friend or family member to join you. Social distancing will be observed and wearing face masks is optional.

The program, sponsored by the behavioral health ministry at St. Thomas, is free but registration is required.

To register or for more information about the program, contact Susan Kearney, coordinator of St. Thomas' behavioral health ministry, at sdkearney@comcast.net or (630) 355-8980, ext. 108, by Thursday, Nov. 3.

The behavioral health ministry at St. Thomas strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness and to minister to the emotionally/mentally ill and their families and friends with confidentiality and respect. Support is offered through advocacy, prayer and education.

For more information about the ministry, contact Susan Kearney at (630) 355-8980, ext. 108.

St. Thomas the Apostle, a parish of the Diocese of Joliet, strives to bear the Good News of God's unconditional love to all generations through worship, faith formation, witness, and service. Organized in 1984, the St. Thomas faith community numbers more than 3,400 households of more than 10,750 people.

Complete news and information on parish events, guest speakers and special programs is available at www.stapostle.org. For general parish information, call (630) 355-8980.