As we focus on the theme of grief and loss in September, the Diocese of St. Cloud offers ministries that support the needs of the people it serves and also asks where growth is still needed.
One such healing ministry is that of THE DIOCESAN TRIBUNAL. The Tribunal Office exists largely to help those who are divorced (and with a possible remarriage) who now seek a clarification of their marital status in the Church. The Church offers this process as a path to healing and reconciliation, allowing individuals to live in accordance with Church teachings. Father Matthew Crane, vicar for canonical affairs, is often surprised how the annulment process leads people to unexpected peace.
“Honestly, there’s not a lot of accompaniment in the sense that most would expect – sitting with people, praying with them. We do listen to their story, though, in forensic detail, in fact,” he explained. “Like Jesus with the woman at the well, we give them the bracingly honest truth about their marital state. That might not seem an intuitively helpful thing, but it worked for Jesus – turned the woman into an evangelist who brought others to Jesus. Just as surprisingly, I’ve seen it do the same in the Tribunal.”
THE OF FICE OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY is also instrumental in accompanying those who may be suffering grief or loss, especially those experiencing infertility or miscarriage. They also have a helpline for those dealing with the pain, loss and/or regret after abortion through Project Rachel.
“We try to accompany those who have experienced infertility or the loss of a child,” said Janet Dusek, diocesan director of Marriage and Family. “We want to be a support to walk alongside them and care for them.”
MENTAL HEALTH MINISTRY is an emerging ministry of the diocese. Working in tandem with multiple offices and organizations throughout Central Minnesota, this office seeks to be a resource for people as well as clergy, ACCs and schools.
“We strive to support people going through loss and grief by providing whatever it is that they need in the moment,” said JoAnn Braegelman, rural life coordinator for the diocese and member of the mental health ministry team. “It could be connecting them to a support group, providing them with appropriate resources or supporting them through prayer. The important thing is to reassure them that they are not alone in their journey and that God loves them.”
THE DIOCESAN CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM functions primarily to provide an outreach on behalf of the bishop to communities affected by unexpected disruptive events impacting local parishes, schools or other church-related ministries. Its goals are to bring supportive prayer, listening and consistent information and presence as the community responds to unanticipated changes or loss. Team membership varies with the nature of the local need, and establishes a point of connection between diocesan leadership and the community that is ongoing during the process towards a restored stability.
Father Tom Knoblach, vicar for clergy and consultant for health care ethics for the Diocese of St. Cloud is part of the team. He said their hope is to live out the counsel of St. Paul, to “help bear one another’s burdens; in this way you fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatian 6:2).
“In times of crisis, it is a great blessing for people to know that they are not alone and that care surrounds them,” he said. “We cannot undo what they have experienced, but we can help draw out a greater good in compassion and concern.” 
Bishop Neary invites and encourages support to keep these ministries strong and vibrant, ensuring that those who grieve have resources available.
“These healing ministries answer a deeply spiritual call to wrap our hearts around souls who are struggling and the people who love them,” Bishop Neary said. “We envision a world in which the dignity of every person is affirmed, stigma is removed and all are empowered through the sharing of Christ’s message of mercy, hope and justice.
“As we journey through the Jubilee Year of Hope, I invite you to reflect on the many ways God’s grace is alive among us,” he said. “This sacred time calls us to recognize the signs of hope in our midst and how we, too, can be voices of hope.”