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
Weekend Retreat for Grieving Parents: Walking with Jesus
October 30 – November 1, 2026
Open to all: This Catholic, faith-based weekend retreat, to be held on the weekend of October 30 – November 1, 2026, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, offers a space of peace, comfort, and hope. Come and find support within a community that shares your journey. For more information, please contact Jim Gontis, 941-486-4754. To register, click here.
Coping with the Death of a Loved One During the Holidays, with Deacon Henry deMena
One-day retreats offered on these dates: November 3, November 4, November 5, November 6, 2026
Open to all: This one-day, Catholic, faith-based retreat will focus on coping with the death of a loved one during the holidays and offers a safe place to seek peace and comfort. The one-day retreats will be held at various parishes throughout the Diocese: Find one near you! Led by Deacon Henry deMena, who holds a master’s degree in counseling with extensive training and experience in bereavement. For more information, please contact Jim Gontis, 941-486-4754. To register, click here.
For Parish Teams: Bereavement Training – There is Hope!
November 2, 2026
For Parish Teams: This one-day training session is designed to train bereavement volunteers and those who speak with the bereaved, led by Deacon Henry deMena, who holds a master’s degree in counseling with extensive training and experience in bereavement. Enpower your Parish Team to lead a bereavement group for your Parish! For more information, please contact Jim Gontis, 941-486-4754. To register, click here.
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.
