Publisher's Synopsis
This Pastoral Guide carries an imprimatur. Our response to miscarriage and stillbirth as Catholic Christians must be driven by our belief in the personhood of the unborn and the dignity and worth of all human life. Those who have lost a child through miscarriage, stillbirth, or newborn death need to be validated in their grief, affirmed in their faith, supported by their community, and assisted in their grieving process. This guide provides pastoral ministers with the background, evidence, and tools they need to provide pastoral care for families who experience miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death.In addition to providing the doctrinal and theological support for this ministry, practical tips for caregivers, and insight into the impact perinatal death and grief can have on family relationships, Pastoral Guide: Miscarriage, Stillbirth or Newborn Loss also includes: a response and blessing ritual for parents requesting Baptism for a baby who has diedprivate memorial service rituals and ceremonies for families information sheets and bulletin inserts to raise awareness within your parish and community sample letters, cards, Scriptures, and reflections pastoral ministers can use handouts to help bereaved parents talk with other children about the baby's death step-by-step instructions for developing a Grieving Through Grace support group for families information on Miscarriage Delivery Aids and burial vessels that honor the dignity of these tiny lives, and so much more!BONUS: Each book includes access to over 200 downloadable and reproducible online resources including: public memorial services for those who have suffered the death of a baby (including sample programs) grave site services for burial of a miscarried baby, stillborn child, or deceased infant funeral planning guides specific to the miscarriage or stillbirth experience electronic versions of all the handouts included in the Pastoral Guide, and more!
