Archdiocese to host Nov. 5 enrichment day for grief ministers

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The archdiocesan Office of Laity and Family Life is sponsoring an enrichment day for grief ministers and others involved in the ministry of consolation from 9:30 a.m.-3:45 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at the Holy Spirit Parish, 3130 Parkwood Lane in Maryland Heights.

Deadline to register is today, Oct. 28.

Several presenters will address a number of topics related to grief. They include:

• Father Joe Kempf, pastor of Assumption Parish in O'Fallon and author of "No One Cries the Wrong Way," will bring his love of storytelling, a heart for God's people and a desire to remember the things that really matter. He has authored numerous other books and videos on life and death, faith and spirituality.

• Tom Smith of the Karla Smith Foundation will speak about suicide and grief. He also is the author of six books, including "The Tattered Tapestry: A Family's Search for Peace with Bipolar Disorder." He is active in the foundation through weekly support group meetings and the annual "Erase the Stigma" conference at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, Ill.

• Megan Nichols, outreach and public relations director of the national Share Office, will speak about pregnancy and infant loss. In 1982, Nichols' brother, Christopher Michael Lammert, died just four days after his birth. Her role with the organization is to broaden the awareness of Share through public relations and social marketing efforts.

Cost is $30, which includes lunch. To register, call Jo Ann Owings at (314) 792-7183 or email jago@archstl.org.

In November 2012, the Office of Laity and Family Life also will present a weekend workshop for individuals and parishes seeking to begin an outreach and support to the bereaved in their communities. The workshop will promote an awareness of grief and the needs of grieving individuals and encourages the development of parish-based grief ministry programs, tailored to local needs and using the gifts of parish staff and members. For more information, call Owings at (314) 792-7183.