Grief Support Programs
Equipping and empowering our leaders with the appropriate programming, resources, and tools will enable them to authentically serve families in their communities.
“In the Renaissance of small groups, Red Bird Ministries uses a small group model with the accompaniment of companion couples and advocates, to serve families of child loss on their journey to healing and restoration.”
— The Founders
Red Bird Ministries is the only organization that systematically guides individuals and couples through the complexity and drama that happens with a loss.
While there are important differences and dynamics with losing a spouse, parent, or a child, the core methodology that Red Bird Ministry developed remains at the heart of the approach.
Program Catalog
We partner with dioceses and parishes to support families of child loss from pregnancy through adulthood. We provide resources and programs so advocates and companion couples can serve hearts. Click on the program catalog to view and download. Programs can be purchased below.
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Red Bird Programs
Finding the Passion of Christ in Our Story grief group program consists of ten sessions. It is designed to walk with families and see their stories in light of Jesus’ Pascal Mystery. The program has been reviewed by the Diocese of Lafayette, LA, and holds its imprimatur.
Loving Through Loss 1 day workshop helps couples understand how the trauma of child loss affects the family dynamic, while teaching them how to love each other through the complexity of child loss. The workshop facilitates a safe space where couples can share their answers to vital questions that are pivotal in moving toward healing. Host a workshop or bring a workshop to your parish.
Remember is a 12-week program for families impacted by suicide. The first of it’s kind pairs the human component of suicide loss with Ignatian spirituality. Training and implementation will be available for parishes in early 2025.
Sign up for the waitlist.
The Good Shepherd Program assists first responders, our clergy, in supporting bereaved families. Red Bird Ministries provides the formation and education on grief that has not been offered before. The Good Shepherd Workshop can be offered in your diocese.
I am Beloved, not Broken is a 40 day journal that speaks to the hearts of all grieving parents of loss. Families journey through brokenness to the place of belovedness, commemorating the 40 days Jesus spent praying and fasting in the desert. The program can be used in a small group setting using it’s leaders guide or in the privacy of the family’s home.
Restoring Love is a 33-day guide for couples who have experienced loss. Daily reflections and questions help to facilitate honest dialogue and support the often broken communication that couples experience after the loss of their child. The program can be used in a small group setting using its leader’s guide or in the privacy of the couple’s home.
Hiding in the Upper Room Memoir Kelly and her husband Ryan were given a cross that no parent should have to carry . . . watching two of their children die before their very eyes. For years, Kelly battled numbness, despair, and anger, repeatedly asking God “why?”. This book is the perfect gift to a family of loss. The book study can be purchased separately and used in a small group setting.
The Mass of Remembrance digital resource pack includes everything you need to make the Remembrance Mass special for the grieving families you serve. It includes a branded editable template flyer, social card, sign-in sheet (for children’s names to be read), frequently asked question guide, and liturgy suggestion sheet.
Revival Retreat is for grieving mothers who are in search of something more than shallow survival. Our team can offer a Revival Retreat in your diocese. The retreat is offered for child loss of any age or circumstance.
Community Builder provides leaders with a chapter page on the Red Bird website and a group inside our branded app, making it easy for families in your community to find support opportunities. The app group offers a simple way to share information and connect with and support one another.
Splintered with Sorrow Couples Retreat is for grieving couples who are splintered with sorrow and long to find the hope of Christ. Our team can offer a Splintered with Sorrow Retreat in your diocese. The retreat is offered for child loss of any age or circumstance.
Behold and Beheld is a two-hour virtual prayer retreat for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day (October 15th). Leaders can host a retreat at their parish to support families. The retreat includes hosting resources and a library of video talks, with new content added annually.
Purchase Programs
Finding the Passion of Christ in Our Story Grief Group
Finding The Passion Of Christ In Our Story grief group program consists of ten sessions. Each session takes approximately one hour to one hour and 20 minutes to facilitate. The group study may occur weekly, monthly, or as a three-day retreat. It is designed for in-person support but may be adapted as a virtual support group. Finding the Passion of Christ in Our Story has been reviewed by the Diocese of Lafayette, LA and holds it’s imprimatur.
Leader Guide (8.5.5x11, 116 pages)
Participant Journal (7x10, 164 pages)
The bundle includes everything you need as a leader to facilitate a 10-week grief group in your parish. PowerPoint also includes audio reflections. Leaders must take leader course prior to purchase.
Included with Purchase
(1) Licensed use of the program’s intellectual property
(1) User account with access to the program’s PowerPoint presentation, editable flyers, and graphic templates.
Loving Through Loss Couples Workshop
Loving Through Loss couples 1 day workshop helps couples understand how the trauma of child loss affects the family dynamic, while teaching them how to love each other through the complexity of child loss. The workshop facilitates a safe space where couples can share their answers to vital questions that are pivotal in moving towards healing.
Bundle includes everything you need as a leader to facilitate a 1 day workshop in your parish. PowerPoint also includes 3 video testimonials to choose from. Leaders must take leader course prior to purchase.
Leader Manual (8.5.5x11, 76 pages)
Participant Guide (7x10, 48 pages)
Included with Purchase
(1) Licensed use of the program’s intellectual property
(1) User account with access to the program’s PowerPoint presentation, editable flyers, and graphic templates.
Small Group Bundles
This starter bundle is for anyone who wishes to start a small group for mothers of child loss from pregnancy through adulthood in their parish using our book Hiding in the Upper Room.
This starter bundle is for anyone who wishes to start a small group for couples of child loss from pregnancy through adulthood in their parish using our Restoring Love.
This starter bundle is for anyone who wishes to start a small group for couples of child loss from pregnancy through adulthood in their parish using our Lenten Journal.
Digital Resources
The Mass of Remembrance digital resource pack includes everything you need to make the Remembrance Mass special for the grieving families you serve. It includes a branded editable template flyer, social card, sign-in sheet (for children’s names to be read), frequently asked question guide, and liturgy suggestion sheet.
The one-time fee provides leaders with a chapter page on the Red Bird website and a group inside our branded app, making it easy for families in your community to find support opportunities. The app group offers a simple way to share information and connect with and support one another.
Behold and Beheld is a two-hour virtual prayer retreat for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day (October 15th). Leaders can host a retreat at their parish to support families. The retreat includes hosting resources and a library of video talks, with new content added annually.
Leader Courses
Leaders will be introduced to the innovative Red Bird Ministries Methodology and explore our impactful programs. They will gain valuable insights into our tailored programs to suit the unique needs of their parish and will have access to our team for consultation and strategy in implementation. Additionally, leaders will learn how to share their own personal witness.
The skill of effectively leading a small group can be acquired through learning and practice. In this course, the Red Bird Team incorporates practical small-group practices while adding its touch to grief ministry. Learn from our experts, Elizabeth Leon and Anna Gowasack, and leave equipped to begin leading in your parish bereavement ministry.
The course provides couples with the knowledge and tools they need to support another couple who is experiencing loss. During the course, you will learn about the RBM methodology, grief terminology, medical terms, marriage formation, and techniques for strengthening the couples you are supporting. Couples will exit the course ready to walk with their peers.
Hear from Red Bird Families
Red Bird Ministries’s grief support programming is currently offered in parish and diocesan communities around the world. Our programs equip leaders to facilitate encounters with Christ and families are finding healing.
Couples Workshop Program
Kristen and Mark Dunbar lost their precious baby Theresa at 38 weeks from a cord accident. The entire family was devastated. The Dunbars sought healing in the secular world but had no idea that their was a grief support group for Catholics. The Dunbars found hope at Red Bird.
The Good Shepherd Program
Understanding grief and its impact on families can assist first responders, our clergy, in supporting bereaved families. Red Bird Ministries provides the formation and education on grief that has not been offered before. The Good Shepherd Program was developed in collaboration with Divine Mercy University.
“He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.”
We believe that no matter where life takes us or what the day holds for us, God is on our side. He has called us to this ministry and to do His will is the delight of our souls.
— Psalm 91:4