Seasons of Hope offers unique grief support for Catholics that focuses on the spiritual side of grieving the death of a loved one and invites individuals to meet Christ through scripture, prayer, reflection, and simple activities that offer comfort and help foster healing and spiritual growth. The program contains four journals that can be used by individuals for spiritual reflection or prayer or by parish small faith-sharing groups for those who are mourning the death of a loved one and the Seasons of Hope Leader’s Guide. You can start the series with any of the four journals. The journals, originally published in 2007, have been revised with a new introduction and updated resource listings. The journals also include Bible references, reflections, faith-sharing questions, prayers, and space for writing. Each journal covers a unique, standalone “season” of six sessions that have their own theme. Journal Four themes include: last encounter - the Garden of Gethsemane - Crown of Thorns - gift of caring - Golgotha - be my witnesses “What most drew me to Seasons of Hope was its explicitly Catholic foundation. In contrast to secular support groups for the grieving, Seasons of Hope puts Jesus at the center and invites participants to entrust their loss and loneliness to him within the abundant consoling wisdom of our Catholic tradition. Having just lost my mother, I was a natural candidate for Seasons of Hope as a facilitator. Its well-structured format enhanced our efforts and when the sessions came to a close, I’d grown quite attached to my fellow group members. It was hard for all of us to see our time together end.” -- Bishop Liam Cary , Diocese of Baker–Redmond “Many people in our parish community have become involved with Seasons of Hope . It has brought hope, healing, peace, and love to so many. One of the great aspects of this program is that by offering four “seasons” our parish can provide multiple opportunities each year for people to participate when they are ready for that first step or return when they are ready for more. Most importantly, Seasons of Hope engages the faith life of those who use it and draws them into a deeper relationship with the living God. What a blessing it has been for our parish!” -- Rev. Msgr. Stephen J. Avila , pastor, St. Joseph, Guardian of the Holy Family Parish, Falmouth, Massachusetts “ Seasons of Hope is a godsend. It is solidly Catholic, imbued by hope and comfort while also being open to the real experiences of each participant. It provides an opportunity for those who are grieving to be together, share what is in their hearts, listen to God and to each other, and be heard and comforted. The program is simple, easy to lead, and scripture based. It gets people through hard times, giving them courage to surrender to God and invite him into their pain, and that this made all the difference.” -- Anna Loch, former Outreach Manager, Gardens of Gethsemani Cemetery, Archdiocese of Vancouver M. Donna MacLeod is a Catholic leader and founder of the Seasons of Hope ministry to the bereaved. She is the author of the program’s bestselling Leader’s Guide and four companion journals. This work was inspired by the loss of her youngest daughter, Erynne, in 1988 and the compassionate response of her parish. MacLeod holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing and has served as an oncology clinical specialist, nurse educator, administrator, and hospice professional. She served on the board of trustees and training faculty of the former National Catholic Ministry to the Bereaved and is a member of the Catholic Family Life Association. Macleod delivers keynotes, workshops, retreats, and other presentations online and at numerous national and diocesan conferences and parish events related to grief, loss, and ministry leadership in the United States and Canada. A seasoned ministry mentor, MacLeod supports Seasons of Hope facilitators with online resources and an enrichment series sponsored by Ave Maria Press. She also leads parish Seasons of Hope groups in the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts She lives with her husband, Bryan, in the Boston, Massachusetts, area. Number of Pages: 64 Size: 5.5 x 8.5 inches Book Identifier: 9781646802364 Publisher: Ave Maria Press