The Diocese of Calgary is offering a training opportunity in providing bereavement support and care. This workshop is offered to those who are involved in the Pastoral Care Ministry in their parishes, and/or for those desiring to be better equipped in accompanying those dealing with grief and loss.
Topics to be explored include: What is grief and mourning and how it impacts our whole being; Grief as a spiritual journey; How the parish community can assist a grieving person; Practical ideas for a successful parish bereavement ministry.
Presenter: Deacon Michael Soentgerath
Deacon Michael was ordained a Deacon in 1983 in Edmonton. In 1984 he began his pastoral work in the RC Diocese of Calgary as Deacon for Holy Spirit Parish in Calgary. Since then he has worked in many Calgary parishes and for the Catholic School Board on a High School Chaplaincy Team. For 21 years he worked at the Catholic Pastoral Centre heading the departments of Religious Education (until 2018) and the Health Care Apostolate for the diocese (until June 2019). Michael continues to minister as the Parish Deacon of St. Bernadette's Parish in Calgary. He is married to Chris Brochu, retired Principal of Father Lacombe High School and currently sessional instructor at St. Mary’s University here in Calgary.
