Mary and Martha Bereavement Support: Offering Comfort and a Listening Ear in Moments of Loss

In the Gospel of Luke, we hear the story of Mary and Martha. Mary spends time at Jesus’ feet, while Martha busies herself getting the house ready and preparing a meal. We can all relate to either Mary or Martha at some point in our lives — they both have a key role in the story. But Martha serves as the example that those in the Mary and Martha Bereavement Support Ministry are emulating, as they provide true hospitality to those in mourning.

Although this group just began earlier this year, members have already been making an impact. In two-person groups, members take the time to meet with family members of deceased parishioners shortly after the funeral and again a few weeks later. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, recent visits have been done via phone. Ministry members also mail cards as another form of support.

Jay Grawe was eager to become involved with this (From left) Mary and Martha Bereavement Support group members Kent ministry when he was asked to Anderson, Dorothy Davis and Sue Kuhl join by Kathy Harman. Jay lost his wife, Nan, about two years ago — he understands the grieving process and knows just how much it means to have support.

“I know there are benefits to having someone there as a listening ear when you are going through the grief process,” Jay says.

As Jay points out, everyone grieves in their own way and the grief process is never truly “over.” Recalling how much a phone call from a supportive person meant to him when he lost Nan, he wants to offer that same kind of support to others.

“We are there to let them know we care,” Jay says. “We do more listening than talking. We are not counselors, but we are there to let them know that we are there for them.”

Many times people want to share stories about the deceased person, and Jay enjoys hearing these stories.

“That’s the good part,” Jay says. “It’s part of the grief process.”

Jay says that many of the ministry members have lost a family member, and this made them want to become involved — but anyone who is a good listener and compassionate is encouraged to get involved. He says this ministry is extremely rewarding, as members offer support during some very tough times for the bereaved.

“We are there, not to do the talking, but to let them talk,” Jay says.

Members also offer resources — such as the four-week GriefShare program offered through our parish — as the bereaved work their way through the grieving process.

Anyone who wants to get involved with the Mary and Martha Bereavement Support Ministry may contact Jay Grawe at 217-224-3529 or nangrawe@gmail.com.

(From left) Mary and Martha Bereavement Support group members Kent Anderson, Dorothy Davis and Sue Kuhl