Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.' Matthew 19:14
When you have lost a child, you don't have to grieve alone. The Church community provides many options to help you through this process. This may include having a funeral Mass for your child and a Catholic burial, requesting the "Blessing of Parents After a Miscarriage" from the Church’s Book of Blessings, and, perhaps most simply and importantly, naming your unborn child.
- It is right to grieve. It is ok to take the time to grieve and be gentle with yourself during this difficult time.
- Surround yourself with people who understand and avoid people who don’t. Seek out others who have been through this heartbreaking experience and can validate your feelings. Give yourself permission to share with some people and not with others.
- You are not alone: don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it. We are all members of the Body of Christ and are never alone in our pain. God desires to bring healing in our lives and frequently uses others as instruments of healing.
- Mass of Remembrance for the Unborn – Each October, we invite all to celebrate a special Mass and candle lighting ceremony in remembrance of babies who have died in their mother’s womb. The Mass is for all parents and families who have suffered the pain of losing a child before birth, whether the loss was very recent or occurred many years ago. See our calendar for details.
Lord, God of all creation,
We bless you and thank you for your tender care.
Receive this life you have created in love
and comfort your faithful people in their time of loss
with the assurance of your unfailing mercy.
We ask this through Christ our Lord,
Amen.