• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Building Faith

Building Faith

A Ministry of Virginia Theological Seminary

  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
    • Who We Are
    • Our Writers
    • FAQs
    • Contact Us
    • Subscribe
  • ARTICLES
    • ARTICLES BY TOPIC
    • MOST RECENT ARTICLES
  • EN ESPAÑOL
  • WEBINARS
  • RESOURCES
    • Episcopal Teacher
    • Choosing Curriculum
    • Vacation Bible School
    • Signs of Life
    • Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of John
    • 5 Marks of Love
    • Growing a Rule of Life
    • It’s Time To…
    • #AdventWord
  • SUPPORT US
  • Show Search
Hide Search
Home/Service & Outreach/7 Tips For Comforting Others

7 Tips For Comforting Others

Steven V. Malec, BBA, NCBF, is a national speaker and Director of Bereavement Ministry for the Catholic Cemeteries Association in the Diocese of Cleveland, OH. “Seven Tips About What to Say and Do to Comfort Others” is part of “Preparing a Catholic Funeral” by Rev. Kenneth Koehler. (Morehouse Education Resources).

 

When comforting those who mourn, do not allow your own sense of helplessness to restrain you from reaching out to the bereaved. Recognize the therapeutic value of your presence. It is always appropriate for family and friends to come together for prayer, support, and acts of kindness.

You can help a grieving person by:

1. Giving them your listening presence
Support is based more on effective listening than on any words you may say.

2. Giving them permission to grieve and express their feelings
Alllow them to talk. Don’t be afraid of their tears.

3. Remembering with them
Share stories, memories, and photos. Use the deceased loved one’s name.

4. Offering continued support
Visit, telephone, and write them, especially around difficult days: birthdays, anniversaries, holidays or other special occasions.

5. Avoid use of clichés
Speak from your heart.

6. Offering practical help
Cook a meal, take them to the store, library, cemetery, etc.

7. Praying with them
Offer to attend church with them. Give them a book of poems and prayers. Many times, simple acts can facilitate much healing.

 

Print PDF

September 17, 2011 By BuildFaith Editors

Filed Under: Ministry Leadership, Service & Outreach Tagged With: adults, death, funerals, grief, hospitality

Primary Sidebar

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • RSS

Subscribe to Building Faith

You’ll get new articles, plus free weekly updates in your inbox.

We respect your privacy. View our privacy policy here.

Search Our Site

Search by Topic

New Articles

New and Recent Lent Resources for 2023

If you’re busy organizing children’s, youth, adult, or parish-wide programs for Lent and Holy Week, …

Continue Reading about New and Recent Lent Resources for 2023

Black History Month Resources for 2023

February is Black History Month in the U.S., and the theme for 2023 is “Black Resistance.” According …

Continue Reading about Black History Month Resources for 2023

Resources to Learn, Pray, and Act This Martin Luther King Day

Every third Monday in January, around his birthday (January 15), we commemorate the life and work of …

Continue Reading about Resources to Learn, Pray, and Act This Martin Luther King Day

Footer

Keep In touch

  • Email
  • Facebook

Upcoming Webinars

Eventbrite Registration

Building Faith

Lifelong Learning, Virginia Theological Seminary
3737 Seminary Rd.
Alexandria, VA 22304

Copyright © 2023 · Building Faith · A Ministry of Virginia Theological Seminary

Design by Blue+Pine Creative, Inc.

Subscribe to Building Faith

Get Articles and Resources by Email

Privacy Policy