Introduction
Accompanying one who is bereft is a sacred and hallowed task. Significant loss, change, and certainly death, rarely asks our permission to enter, bringing potential upheaval and pain. It is generally accepted that bereavement, particularly the death of someone of personal significance can have a profound impact on the lives of individuals, families and communities, and adjustment to an environment where a loved one is no longer physically present can be arduous and challenging. The finality and irreversibility of death can seem harsh and impenetrable; this is true for adult and child alike.
Grief is the response to a loss and common grief reactions for children and adults include distress, shock, bewilderment, numbness, vulnerability, fear and so on. Some young people encounter loss through the death of a parent, friend, teacher or relative, and for many the encounter with death, especially of a family member or carer, brings subsequent changes and losses. It is helpful to note that the significance of the loss is dependent on the depth of relationship and care felt by the bereaved, for one can be profoundly affected by the death of someone who is not a family member or friend but who somehow played an important part in day to day life.
Bereavement and loss can be considered one of life’s adversities – most certainly because of the painful reactions it can generate. The Catholic school supports its pupils and staff through many of life’s adversities, often relying on an instinctive kind word here or there, a promise of prayers and support, participation in rituals, celebrations and liturgical rites. Meaning and hope are given through spontaneous and prepared prayer services as well as meaningful learning and teaching on a faith-filled response to death and knowledge of our shared belief in the afterlife – eternal life with God, creator and father of all.
Grief is the response to a loss and common grief reactions for children and adults include distress, shock, bewilderment, numbness, vulnerability, fear and so on. Some young people encounter loss through the death of a parent, friend, teacher or relative, and for many the encounter with death, especially of a family member or carer, brings subsequent changes and losses. It is helpful to note that the significance of the loss is dependent on the depth of relationship and care felt by the bereaved, for one can be profoundly affected by the death of someone who is not a family member or friend but who somehow played an important part in day to day life.
Bereavement and loss can be considered one of life’s adversities – most certainly because of the painful reactions it can generate. The Catholic school supports its pupils and staff through many of life’s adversities, often relying on an instinctive kind word here or there, a promise of prayers and support, participation in rituals, celebrations and liturgical rites. Meaning and hope are given through spontaneous and prepared prayer services as well as meaningful learning and teaching on a faith-filled response to death and knowledge of our shared belief in the afterlife – eternal life with God, creator and father of all.
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Mary Lappin
University of Glasgow Bereavement Resources for use in schoolsThe resources below represent the collaborative work of a number of teachers, RE Advisers from Dioceses across Scotland and the University of Glasgow. We are most grateful for the generous gift of both time and resources given by all members of this group.
We hope that you find the materials of benefit to your school communities in this most difficult situation. If there is something missing or you wish to make suggestions about the materials offered here, please feel free to contact us using the orange box below. |
The Immediate Response
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Supporting All Staff
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Liturgy
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Suggested Resources for Classroom Learning
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Continuing Bonds
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