Surviving Grief and Loss

Finding a way through grief is different for everyone. In this section from the Nov. 1, 2014, issue of Arkansas Catholic, find ways that have made a difference for others.

When grief takes over, church offers beacon of hope

By Aprille Hanson, Published: October 30, 2014

CONWAY — Linda Strack will never forget the weekend in spring 2012 she got to spend with her 3½-year-old grandson Chancellor, who affectionately called her “Busia” (Polish for grandma). Instead of having a weekend with three of her grandsons, it gave Strack time to carry out a tradition with just Chancellor: dress him up in a little sailor suit, just like she did with his dad when he was a child, and take some photos. “If More...

Family finds a way through grief to a legacy of hope

By Marilyn Lanford, Published: October 29, 2014

The family of Tom Burnett has not let his death on 9/11 be forgotten. By preserving memories or starting a foundation, many people are still touched by the life of the California businessman from Minnesota. Giving back The Burnett family was inspired by what Tom told his wife while he was on Flight 93 and knew it was being hijacked. “We have to do something,” he said. “I am putting a plan together. We are waiting until we More...

Funerals help the grieving celebrate a loved one’s life

By Dwain Hebda, Published: October 29, 2014

Funerals today come in far more shapes and sizes, according to Brad Leggett, owner and funeral director for Little Rock Funeral Home. While the event perpetrating a funeral isn’t something to smile about, more final services are focusing less on grief and more on celebrating the life of the deceased. “I think the amount of personalization is probably one of the most significant things,” Leggett said. “A few years ago, funerals were pretty much the same as More...

Rosaries, blessing of graves set for Nov. 1, 2

Published: October 28, 2014

Parishes are hosting events on Saturday, Nov. 1 and All Souls Day Sunday, Nov. 2 to honor the deceased in their parishes. Barling Sacred Heart of Mary: Decoration, 4:30 p.m., St. Mary’s Cemetery, Roberts Blvd, Fort Chaffee Bentonville St. Stephen: Columbarium blessing, 6 p.m. Charleston Sacred Heart: Decoration, 11 a.m., Sacred Heart Cemetery; Knights of Columbus spaghetti dinner, 11 a.m. Clarksville Holy Redeemer: Cemetery visitation, 3:30 p.m., parish cemetery Fairfield Bay St. Francis of Assisi: Presentation of the Book of Life, after 4 p.m. Mass More...