At the service of the Catholic Church
“Grief is not a disorder, a disease, or a sign of weakness. It is an emotional, physical, and spiritual necessity, the price you pay for love. The only cure for grief is to grieve.
— Earl A. Grollman
Red Bird Ministries partners with dioceses, archdioceses, and parishes to provide essential bereavement resources for families grieving the profound loss
of a child.
Our programs equip the Church with tools to help families understand grief, navigate its complexities, and take practical steps toward healing. Rooted in Catholic teaching, Red Bird Ministries’ approach is centered in the healing power of the sacraments. Our methodology is founded on the firm belief that the sacraments of the Catholic Church are essential to renewing hope and guiding families toward wholeness in Christ.
Today, we are active in 42 dioceses across 27 states and 4 international regions—with new inquiries coming in almost every day.
Our mission is to ensure no parent grieves alone and that the Church strengthens its vital role in ministering to those suffering an extraordinary loss.
PARISH BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY SUPPORT
Red Bird Ministries has received approval from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and is listed in the Official Catholic Directory.
Get to know the ministry with a free, 16-minute introductory webinar
Strengthening the Church’s Ministry at the Altar of Grief
Red Bird Ministries equips parishes with Catholic grief support programs to accompany families grieving the loss of a child. Our mission is to strengthen bereavement care through sacramental healing, pastoral support, and compassionate presence.
PARISH PATHWAY
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Equips parish leaders, facilitators, and couples with tools to support grieving families through core methodology, small group formation, and peer mentorship.
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Parish-based offerings led by trained ministry leaders in bereavement and pastoral care. Designed for small groups of 5–15, each program fosters healing through guided dialogue in a safe, supportive setting.
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Pre-packaged RBM program bundles that help parish ministries launch grief support, foster healing conversations, and extend pastoral care.
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Books paired with leader guides plus video content to support small groups to foster reflection, healing, and connection within the parish community.
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In-person and virtual retreats that offer grieving families space for reflection, restoration, and spiritual renewal in their most tender moments.
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Resources that help parishes connect families and deepen outreach through faith-filled content and local engagement.
Shalom World presents Into the Light: Supporting Parents in the Pain.
Enjoy the beautiful and moving story of Red Bird Ministries- an extraordinary witness of how God meets each of us in our darkness and brings us slowly into His light.
To receive a parish packet of Red Bird Ministries materials and information, simply click the link to complete the form. Packets typically arrive within 5–7 business days for addresses within the continental United States.
We welcomed the news that the USCCB has released the new document that was voted on by the bishops “Called to the Joy of Love: National Pastoral Framework for Marriage and Family Life Ministry.” This document lays out a support framework for accompaniment and in Pillar III, 3.3.3 speaks to, “Accompanying couples who have lost a family member, especially a child.”
We are so grateful that the Church sees families who are hurting and has created a framework for ministers to respond.
5 Reasons Your Parish Should Have a Bereavement Ministry
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1. Jesus told us to comfort those who mourn.
Jesus says in the Beatitudes, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” There are mourners in your parish. Will you comfort them?
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2. It applies to everyone at some point.
That is why a ministry for those who are grieving is such a good thing. Other than birth and taxes, grief is the only thing guaranteed to affect every parishioner at some point.
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3. It’s what people are looking for.
Funerals pull lapsed Catholics back into Church, sometimes for the first time in decades. All of these are very good reasons to be prepared to minister to the grieving.
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4. It's Easy With Red Bird.
We’re in the midst of a small-group renaissance. Most likely, you can also contact your parish office. If you are willing to put in the work to lead a small group, the pastor and his council should be happy to help you succeed.
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5. The return on investment is high.
When your parish supports someone in a time of grief, it doesn’t just affect that person. All of their family and friends learn that they were able to turn to the Catholic Church during a painful time. That plants a seed for the future.
Explore Our Parish-Based Grief Support Programs
Red Bird Ministries’ grief support programs are parish-based and peer-led, guided by trained facilitators who have personally experienced child loss—from miscarriage and stillbirth to loss in childhood, adulthood, or by suicide. Together, we offer a comprehensive grief care system for families within parish communities.
Our programs include:
Parish Training & Program Implementation
In-Person or Virtual Grief Support Groups
Leader Manuals & Participant Materials
FREE PROGRAM PREVIEW
Request Your Complimentary Digital Review Pack To receive your free digital review materials, please complete our Insight Survey using the link below.
Early Grief Support Guidance
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2. Pastoral Accompaniment
In the earliest months of grief, families are best supported through personalized, one‑on‑one care—such as counseling, spiritual direction, pastoral guidance, or comfort meetings—where their sorrow can be held with compassion and focused attention.
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3. Healing Together in Community
Our group-based programming is most beneficial for those who have reached a point of readiness for communal healing and peer connection. We encourage accompanying families in early grief toward individualized support, creating safe space for hearts to begin healing in love.
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1. Compassionate Care in Early Loss
The first months after losing a child are marked by deep shock and vulnerability. Red Bird Ministries recommends one‑on‑one care. Because of this, our team does not recommend participation in our group programming during the first 3–6 months of bereavement.
Grief Support Brochures
Order Red Bird Ministries Parish Brochure. These trifold brochures are ideal for placement in your parish, adoration chapel, confessional, or cemetery office. They provide immediate support and resources for grieving families, offering a clear pathway to connect with our dedicated grief specialist team.
When families are desperate for comfort and direction, these brochures can be the first step toward healing and hope.
Why we call ourselves a Catholic Ministry?
Because having authentically Catholic resources for the Church is necessary. Red Bird Ministries' grief ministry is listed in the Kennedy Directory, approved by the USCCB, under the obedience of our local bishop, and remains in line with the magisterium of the Church. Supporting families of loss, and doing authentic Pro-life work should always lead our families toward virtue for holistic healing.
Most Reverend Bishop Douglas Deshotel
Bishop of the Diocese of LafayetteKelley Chapman
Director of the Office of Marriage and Family Family LifeMaureen K. Fontenot
Chancellor of the Diocese of Lafayette
Red Bird Ministries gratefully acknowledges the Diocese of Lafayette as our founding home and steadfast ministry supporter.