The mission of the Diocese of Venice’s Bereavement Outreach is to actively support endeavors that aid in the healing of those who mourn a loved one, while understanding the individual concerns of each bereaved person.
Upcoming Bereavement Outreach Retreats: There is hope
Bereavement Training for Those Grieving the Death of A Loved One
Open to all: This Catholic, faith-based retreat, to be held on October 30, 2025, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, offers a safe place to seek peace and comfort, and will be led by Deacon Henry deMena. Deacon Henry deMena holds a Master’s degree in counseling with extensive training and experience in Bereavement. For more information or to register, please contact Jim Gontis, 941-486-4754. To register, click here.
Bereavement Training for Parish Teams
For those who work with the bereaved: This two-day training session, to be held on October 27-28, 2025, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, equips parishes to support those who are grieving with compassion and faith. Led by Deacon Henry deMena, a counselor with extensive bereavement experience, the training sessions are open to all those who work or volunteer in parishes to help the bereaved. Practical guidance will help participants confidently serve those who mourn within their parish communities. Topics include the role of God in suffering, and group facilitation skills. For more information or to register, please contact Jim Gontis, 941-486-4754.
Additional Resources
Red Bird Ministries
The death of any loved one is a traumatic and complicated experience. There is a unique impact however of losing a child. Red Bird Ministries is a Catholic, pro-life/pro-family grief support ministry that focuses on bereaved families who have experienced child loss of any age and circumstance, including pregnancy loss through miscarriage and stillbirth, and after birth as an infant, child, adolescent, or adult. While we operate as Catholics our ministry serves anyone who has experienced the loss of a child.
Please click here for more information about Red Bird Ministries.
Prayer Service for Forgiveness and Healing Video
