It started several years ago around Lent with then-pastor Father John Roche, but the monthly Healing Mass at Holy Name of Mary in San Dimas has grown steadily over the years with many parishioners each month taking part in the first Saturday morning celebration.
The Healing Mass — the next one Aug. 2 at 8:30 a.m. — is for all those who have any illness “in spirit, mind and body,” says liturgy and ministries administrator Brenda Luna. “Everyone is entitled to come and receive this beautiful sacrament. We want to remind people that you can receive this sacrament more than once. It’s for people who maybe sick with worry, full of anxiety, battling addictions or any physical ailment.”
Directly after the Healing Mass, Luna oversees a grief support group that has been active in the parish for almost two years. “We talk about various aspects of grief and loss,” she says. “Sometimes the loss is from years ago with a parent’s death or it could be recent. There is no set timeline for grief.”
The support group has seen participants come and go, but Luna says the numbers have been constant. Scripture, prayer and “lots of sharing” make up the meetings and Luna adds that by the parish setting is particularly inviting to those who might not otherwise look for support. “To many, coming to the parish support group is like coming home,” she says. “We provide comfort and confidentiality.
The next grief support meeting will be Aug. 2, 9:15 a.m., with Father Peadar Cronin the guest speaker. Information: (909) 599-1243.
