Loss is very much a part of all of our lives, and sometimes our grief can be so devastating that we feel completely lost or alone.
The New Day Bereavement Program is a faith-based weekly program lasting nine weeks. Through group discussion, journaling and scriptural reflection the healing process begins to take hold, providing the participants an opportunity to understand grief in a way that helps to rebuild identity and to strengthen faith in oneself and in God.
Advanced registration is required. Please sign-up as soon as you can, as space is limited and sessions tend to fill up rather quickly.
There is no cost to participate. All fees are covered by the Bereavement Initiative of the Fairfield County Catholic Cemeteries of the Diocese of Bridgeport in an effort to support grieving families.
We all experience grief, and we all experience it differently. But there is no need to experience it alone.
For the current list of bereavement programs, please click here.
You can also contact Carolyn Killian at 203-404-0023 or by
* * * * * * * *
New Day Bereavement Programs
Small-group Grief Support: The New Day Ministry
The New Day Ministry is a faith-based, small-group support program facilitated by trained volunteers who accompany fellow parishioners on their journey from grief to healing. This ministry is novel in two ways:
- It represents the first diocesan-wide bereavement initiative in decades and is based on the collaboration of dedicated volunteers beyond parish boundaries.
- In addition to accompanying those in grief, we strive to create a ministry that provides an opportunity for spiritual growth for our volunteer ministers.
Program Specifics
This is a structured program, which includes prayer, scripture readings, journaling, and sharing responses to directed questions in a confidential setting. It is based on The New Day Journal, by Mauryeen O’Brien, O.P., and has been used by the Archdiocese of Hartford for over 25 years:
- Groups meet for 90 minutes over a nine-week period.
- Each group has two facilitators and up to eight participants.
Program Goals
Over the 9 weeks, participants are guided to:
- Accept the reality of the loss
- Experience the pain of grief
- Adjust to life without the deceased
- Find a way to carry your deceased loved one in your heart as you embark on the rest of your journey through life
In-person Programs: Fall 2026
St. Jerome Church, Norwalk
Date: September 15 – November 10
Time: Tuesday afternoons, 2:00 – 3:30 pm
St. Marguerite Bourgeoys, Brookfield, closed
Date: September 17– November 12
Time: Thursday afternoons, 2:00 – 3:30 pm
St. Leo, Stamford
Date: September 29 – November 24
Time: Tuesday mornings, 10:00 – 11:30 am
Church of the Assumption, Westport
Date: October 7 – December 9
No session November 11 (Veteran’s Day)
Time: Wednesday afternoons, 2:00 – 3:30 pm
St. Mary, Bethel
Date: October 13 – December 8
Time: Tuesday afternoons, 4:30-6:00 pm
Zoom Program
Date: October 20 – December 15
Time: Tuesday afternoons, 4:00-5:30 pm
Advance registration is necessary.
The Fairfield County Catholic Cemeteries of the Diocese of Bridgeport underwrite all the costs associated with this ministry.
If you do not have internet access, please call Carolyn Killian at 203-404-0023.
Additional sessions will be announced as they are scheduled.
