As we journey in this desert of Lent, I find myself reflecting on the actual desert.  On the surface, the desert looks dry, barren, hostile, and inhospitable to life.  The desolation of the desert brings to mind the experience of death, grief and loss.   Like in our own lives when we experience a death that takes us to a barren place of pain and loneliness.  Upon deeper reflection of the desert, one can notice that the desert is a place of great beauty and abundance of life.  Same as when we experience grief and loss, we too begin to recognize hope and healing. 
 If you find yourself in a desert season of life, please consider joining our next session of Grieving with Great Hope.  It will begin on April 24. This is a six week bereavement workshop offered for people who are mourning the loss of a loved one.  This workshop is prayerful, practical, and personal.  Loss can feel like a lonely place, a desert place, that no one understands.  Grieving with Great Hope provides a space and time to gather with others who may be experiencing some of the same feelings.  For more information, contact Jody Esker at [email protected] or visit the St. Pius website https://crpiusx.org/bereavement.                                                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                                 
                                                                    Jody Esker                                                                                                                                 Coordinator of Pastoral Ministry