Bereavement

"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed." (Psalms 34:19)

About the Ministry

Holy Trinity’s bereavement ministry is dedicated to providing compassionate support and spiritual care to those experiencing the loss of a loved one.

Guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ and the principles of our Catholic faith we offer empathetic listening, a comforting presence, and practical assistance to help navigate the journey of grief.

Our ministry seeks to offer solace to the grieving, to honor the memory of the deceased, and to build a community of hope, healing, and faith.

Grief is deeply personal and often an overwhelming experience that can manifest in a wide range of emotions.

You may be dealing with great sadness, loneliness, confusion and even anger and/or guilt.

Our ministry  will allow the bereaved to find support through different grief groups that will meet for six weeks throughout the year as well as an opportunity to speak to individuals willing to share their own personal grief experience.

It is our hope that these options will provide space for healing and spiritual renewal.

Please click here for a list of additional grief resources. (N.B. These are links to third-party websites, and are not Holy Trinity Parish content.)

 

If you are interested in knowing more about volunteering with the bereavement ministry, please e-mail Lisa Colaianni or call 202-903-2808.

2026 Grief Support

If your loved one has died and you would like to meet with other parishioners to process your experience through the lens of faith, consider participating in a grief group. Our faith reminds us of hope, healing, and the promise of eternal life. May you find peace in the memories of the deceased and strength in the love that surrounds you.

All Souls Evening Prayer Service   

Monday, November 2   

6:00 - 6:45 pm  Fellowship - McKenna Hall   

7:00 pm Prayer Service - Church 

We are continuing our parish's custom of gathering to pray Evening Prayer for our deceased loved ones.  During this Prayer, there will be an opportunity to inscribe the names of loved ones in the parish's book of remembrance.  Please bring a photo of your loved one to be on display near the Blessed Virgin Mary statue.  Fellowship will take place in McKenna Hall with light refreshments.

Hope for the Holidays:  Navigating your grief during the season

Join us as we provide a space for grieving individuals coping with the death of a loved one while offering hope and comfort.  Memories are the strongest during the holidays.  Holiday rituals and traditions can make it an especially stressful time.

You are not alone!

Saturday, November 14

10:00 - 11:30 am    McKenna Hall

Registration is highly encouraged!

Drop In Groups

Unlike structured grief programs that follow a set schedule/curriculum, a drop-in group offers a more flexible format where participants can attend as needed, without a long-term commitment.

  • Saturday, December 12, 2026 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Please register in advance to help us plan.

Please contact Lisa A. Colaianni at [email protected] or 202-903-2808 to register for ongoing grief support groups and for more information.

Ongoing Grief Support Groups

While the experience of grief is profoundly personal, navigating the loss with others is often a source of consolation for the bereaved.

  • Please let us know if you are interested in attending a six-week spousal loss grief group or a six-week general loss group.  Check back for dates of group sessions.