Seasons of Hope Journal Two: Finding Comfort in Your Grief

By M. Donna MacLeod

Seasons of Hope offers unique grief support for Catholics that focuses on the spiritual side of grieving the death of a loved one and invites individuals to meet Christ through scripture, prayer, reflection, and simple activities that offer comfort and help foster healing and spiritual growth.

The program contains four journals that can be used by individuals for spiritual reflection or prayer or by parish small faith-sharing groups for those who are mourning the death of a loved one and the Seasons of Hope Leader’s Guide. You can start the series with any of the four journals.

The journals, originally published in 2007, have been revised with a new introduction and updated resource listings. The journals also include Bible references, reflections, faith-sharing questions, prayers, and space for writing.

Each journal covers a unique, standalone “season” of six sessions that have their own theme.

Journal Two themes include:

• seeking consolation
• stumbling blocks
• living hope
• the Cross
• do not be afraid

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ave Maria Press
• Release date: Dec 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9781646802784

M. Donna MacLeod

M. Donna MacLeod is a Catholic leader and founder of the Seasons of Hope ministry to the bereaved. She is the author of the program’s bestselling Leader’s Guide and four companion journals. This work was inspired by the loss of her youngest daughter, Erynne, in 1988 and the compassionate response of her parish. MacLeod holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing and has served as an oncology clinical specialist, nurse educator, administrator, and hospice professional. She served on the board of trustees and training faculty of the former National Catholic Ministry to the Bereaved and is a member of the Catholic Family Life Association. Macleod delivers keynotes, workshops, retreats, and other presentations online and at numerous national and diocesan conferences and parish events related to grief, loss, and ministry leadership in the United States and Canada. A seasoned ministry mentor, MacLeod supports Seasons of Hope facilitators with online resources and an enrichment series sponsored by Ave Maria Press. She also leads parish Seasons of Hope groups in the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts She lives with her husband, Bryan, in the Boston, Massachusetts, area. She can be reached at [e-mail].

Book preview

Contents

Welcome to Seasons of Hope Journal Two

Session 1: Point of Departure

Guidepost

Marking the Route

Soul Work: Disbelief

Session 2: Path to Understanding

Guidepost

Marking the Route

Soul Work: Seeking Consolation

Session 3: Obstacles on the Journey

Guidepost

Marking the Route

Soul Work: Stones For Building

Session 4: Path to Inner Healing

Guidepost

Marking the Route

Soul Work: Living Hope

Session 5: Way of Suffering

Guidepost

Marking the Route

Soul Work: Sorrow

Session 6: Final Destination

Guidepost

Marking the Route

Soul Work: Just Have Faith

Appendix

Helpful Resources

Network Directory

Guide to Group Etiquette

Season Survey

Acknowledgments

The Seasons of Hope Prayer can be easily found on the back cover of this book.

Welcome to Seasons of Hope Journal Two

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus,

When your loved one went home to the Lord, did you think that God was calling you to a new life in him, too? And that this new life held much more than pain and sorrow?

I had no idea what lay ahead when my daughter Erynne died. Years of caring for the dying and their families as a nurse did not prepare me for my own grief. Yet God would use the lessons I learned for the good of others. From the loss of a precious child, a Christ-centered ministry to the bereaved and a hospice were born. God plans ahead. He didn’t forget me, my family, or my community, and he hasn’t forgotten you. He wants to console you.

Trusting in God and opening your mind and soul to the Seasons of Hope program blesses you in untold ways. Your broken heart will start to mend as your spirit lifts. I’ve seen it happen time and again.

Perhaps this Journal reached you through the kindness of a concerned friend who knew its mini-retreats with Jesus could ease your sorrow. Or maybe you found all four of the program journals on your own and plan to use them each day or once a week until the sessions are finished. Or you may have wanted to attend