Elizabeth Ministry

 

Welcome to the St. Nicholas Chapter of Elizabeth Ministry (EM).  Elizabeth Ministry is a faith-based, peer support network that encourages families to connect with one another in times of joy, stress and grief. 

Why I got involved:

There are many areas of support that Elizabeth Ministry International offers, but at the moment, the focus of the EM chapter at St. Nicholas will be on the following:

~ Infant bereavement (miscarriage, stillbirth, shortly after birth)

~ Subsequent pregnancies after loss

~ Community events e.g. Moms’ Night Out, Parent-Tot Group, Single Moms

~ Referrals for Natural Family Planning

~ Raising children with neurodiversity/autism 

~ Blog posts

Interested in support or becoming an Elizabeth Minister an/or starting a chapter at your Parish?  Please contact info(at)littlelightofheaven(dot)com for more information.

What is Elizabeth Ministry?

As stated on the EM International main site, Elizabeth Ministry

 “[I]s an international movement focused on the dignity of human life and strengthening relationships in order to build up the family and create vibrant communities.  Our mission is to offer hope and healing on issues related to childbearing, sexuality and relationships.  The Elizabeth Ministry core values are to respect all life, cherish children, encourage families, enrich marriages and build community”.

EVENTS – An Elizabeth Minister will be at the following events:

Sat., Sept. 25th, 2021

Elizabeth Ministry Open House

2:45pm-4:30pm

Hope & Healing After the Loss of An Infant
At Elizabeth Ministry, we know what it is like to love, lose and miss a little one gone too soon through miscarriage, stillbirth and infant loss. If you are a grieving parent, family member or friend, you’re invited to join us on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 2:45-4:30pm at St. Nicholas Parish Hall (20675 87 Avenue, Langley). Learn more about Elizabeth Ministry and our peer support program for moms and dads.

As Mary visited Elizabeth, our ministers will journey, support and pray for you on this journey of grief and healing. Know that you are not alone. All are welcome – whether you lost an infant and/or child at age or not. Elizabeth Ministers from various Parishes will be in attendance. Volunteers welcome! To RSVP or for more info. contact Donna at info@LittleLightOfHeaven.com.  Please bring a mask for anyone 12 yrs + as per RCAV requirements.

Guest Speakers | Social | Refreshments
* Open gym time will be available for children of all ages, parent supervision needed.

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Infant and Pregnancy Loss Awareness Day Remembrance Service

Sat., October 16, 2021

2:30pm

Gardens of Gethsemani Catholic Cemetery

15694 32nd Avenue, Surrey, BC V3Z 9V1

October 15 is International Infant Loss Awareness Day. This day we remember our little ones who have gone too soon. To honour them Mass will be celebrated on Sat., Oct. 16th. This is our 6th annual Infant Loss Awareness Day event. Please come and join us for this special Mass via live streaming and in-person – registration TBA.

For more information please contact Anna, Catholic Cemeteries, RCAV 604.531.2141

Infant and Pregnancy Loss Awareness Day Remembrance Service

Sat., October 17, 2020

2pm

Gardens of Gethsemani Catholic Cemetery

15694 32nd Avenue, Surrey, BC V3Z 9V1

October 15 is National Infant Loss Awareness Day. This day we remember our little ones who have gone too soon. To honour them Archbishop Miller will be celebrating Mass on Sat., Oct. 17th. This is our fifth annual Infant Loss Awareness Day event. Please come and join us for this special Mass via live streaming and register here.

For more information please contact Anna, Catholic Cemeteries, RCAV 604.531.2141

PAST EVENTS:

Mass & Christmas Tree of Remembrance Service

Sun., Dec. 15th, 2019

Gardens of Gethsemani Catholic Cemetery

15694 32nd Avenue, Surrey, BC V3Z 9V1
Are you missing a loved one? You are not alone… May Jesus be your light in the darkness of grief providing hope, comfort and healing this holiday season.
You are invited to our Mass & Christmas Tree of Remembrance Service.
The Tree of Remembrance Service begins at 3:45 p.m., right after the 2:30 monthly Memorial Mass.
Join us in honoring our dearly departed loved ones as we pray for their souls and for those experiencing loss. We welcome you to sing and listen to music, and write the names of your departed loved ones on Christmas ornaments, which will be featured on our ‘Remembrance Tree’. Hot chocolate, candy canes and cookies will also be available. The Mass and Service are family-friendly and all are welcome to attend either one and/or both of these events.

For more information, please contact Catholic Cemeteries, RCAV 604.531.2141

Infant Loss Awareness Day Remembrance Service

October 15, 2019

7:00 PM

Gardens of Gethsemani Catholic Cemetery

15694 32nd Avenue, Surrey, BC V3Z 9V1

October 15 is National Infant Loss Awareness Day. This day we remember our little ones who have gone too soon. To honour them Archbishop Miller will be celebrating Mass at the Evangelist Chapel at the Gardens of Gethsemani. This is our fourth annual Infant Loss Awareness Day event. We will light up the cemetery in their honour, so please come and join us for this special Mass.

For more information please contact Catholic Cemeteries, RCAV 604.531.2141

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Bereaved Mother’s Tea, hosted by Elizabeth Ministry, St. Nicholas Chapter

Apr. 27, 2019 at 10am-12:30pm

This casual gathering will be held at St. Nicholas Parish 20675 87 Ave. Langley, BC  V1M 3X4, in the hall for those who have suffered the loss of a child, infant or baby during birth or pregnancy.  Meet other families, share faith-based resources and find out more about peer-support through Elizabeth Ministry.

Feel free to bring treats to share (optional). Guests are welcome to invite a support person or come on their own.  RSVP is appreciated, but not required!

If you are interested in supporting grieving families after the death of an infant or child, or want more info. about Elizabeth Ministry, visit littlelightofheaven.com or contact Donna, Elizabeth Minister info@littlelightofheaven.com

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Infant & Child Loss Remembrance Mass & Teddy Bear Tea

Sat., May. 25, 2019

Remembrance Mass Service: 9:00 am

Teddy Bear Tea Reception: 10:00 am

St. Nicholas Parish – 20675 87 Ave. Langley, BC  V1M 3X4

All welcome, please join us!  Prayers will be included for parents and family members who wish to honour the lives of children of any age who have gone-too-soon, including infants, toddlers and pre-born babies who have died during pregnancy or birth.  Families will be invited to bring up a candle to the altar in memory of their loved one(s).

TEDDY BEAR TEA

Everyone including children are welcome to attend the reception immediately after the service.  Families can bring photos and mementos and enter the name of their child/ren in the “Little Book of Life”.  Feel free to bring a small dish of treats to share (optional).  Hosted by Elizabeth Ministry, St. Nicholas Chapter.

If you are interested in supporting grieving families after the death of an infant or child, or want more info. about Elizabeth Ministry, visit littlelightofheaven.com or contact Donna, Elizabeth Minister info@littlelightofheaven.com. RSVP is appreciated, but not required!
~~~~~
  

Open Gym/Parent-Tot Drop In – Tues., Mar.20th 10:30am-12:30pm

St. Nicholas Parish, Langley, BC

Everyone welcome! Meet other parents/caregivers and join us as we pray the rosary and socialize while the children play.  For elementary age kids and younger, but older siblings who want to help out are welcome too.  Please bring your rosary, gym toys to share such as soft balls, hoola hoops, ride along cars, sensory toys etc.
There will also be a room available for those with young infants too small for toddling in the gym.
10:30am – Parent/caregiver supervised playtime starts
10:45am-11am – Rosary

Contact Donna for more information:
RSVP if possible:  info@littlelightofheaven.com

 

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