DEALING WITH GRIEF: THEIRS AND OURS # 41058

There are few areas of ministry, which require more of the minister from a personal, physical and psychological point of view than that of helping others cope with the often-overwhelming emotional impact of death. Though loss and grief are integral dimensions of life itself, they affect individuals in unique ways. Christians who are suffering see the hand of a compassionate and loving God supporting them in their need as they bear the cross that has been placed on their shoulders and look forward to the resurrection that is sure to follow. In these situations, the pastoral caregiver is a transforming presence, a concrete sign of God’s unconditional and everlasting love, sent by Him to be a light and a companion to the dying and their families in their hour of darkness. In these pages, Dr. Roussell offers caregivers any number of practical and worthwhile suggestions for improving their effectiveness and enhancing their personal and spiritual growth as individuals and as professional healthcare providers. A variety of questions and exercises in the three appendices, which follow the text, are designed to help caregivers evaluate and enhance the quality of their ability to assist themselves and others who are dealing with sorrow and grief.

About the Author: Dr. Jeroid (Jerry) O’Neil Roussell, Jr., a certified chaplain, teacher, consultant and ministerial advisor, is Coordinator of Pastoral Care at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend, Oregon. A brilliant speaker, he holds a Doctorate in Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary as well as a BA in Humanities and a Masters of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union, Chicago. His talents as a teacher give life and depth to his pioneering programs in Pastoral Ministries at Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles and Marylhurst College, Oregon.

Book: 153 pages