10 Catholic Financial Life Spring 2015

At this point in my life, I feel its what Im called to do, said Donna. Many doors have been opened for me in my life, and Im taking opportunities Ive never imagined taking before. Offering support to those who are suffering from the loss of a loved one is one of those opportunities.

Donna co-facilitates a grief support group called Companions on the Journey as part of the Bereavement Ministry at her home parish of Holy Apostles in New Berlin, Wis. Donna, along with co-facilitator and close friend, Jan Fredrickson (pictured on right), recognized the need for this ministry and established the group in September 2014 after extensive training. What is happening in the group over time is amazing friendships are developing and healing is taking place, said Donna.

Compassion and listening are key ingredients to ministering the bereaved, explained Donna. She has always been inspired by the scripture passage from the Gospel of Luke: For to whom much is given, much is required. (Luke 12:48)

I believe this scripture verse is calling me to constantly take action, Donna shared. This ministry has opened its door to me and I am extremely privileged to lend my support.

This support group has made her realize how important it is to live life fully and be cognizant of others. God gives us opportunities to live rich, vibrant lives its our responsibility to serve and be disciples to one another.

There is no lecturing or counseling in Donnas grief ministry. Rather, she said, its about being present, companioning the bereaved, and walking beside them on their journey.

Each group gathering is centered on a theme and begins with introductions where individuals share the name of their loved one, light a candle in their memory, and then the story-telling begins.

In sharing their stories, they work through their grief, Donna explained. Its important not to dwell on the death of their loved one but rather to celebrate their life. Keeping the door to their life open.

Many times her bereavement ministry crosses over into her work at Catholic Financial Life. As an advisor, she not only serves families in a financial capacity but may later be called upon to provide comfort at the loss of a loved one. Sometimes it involves just being present at the members funeral or simply sending a thinking of you card at the one-year anniversary of their loved ones death.

The Lord has given me the opportunity to serve the bereaved through my professional career as well as within my parish, both of which I consider a ministry. Working for Catholic Financial Life allows me to live my faith and live the mission of our organization on a daily basis, said Donna. I am abundantly blessed.

She Listens with Her HeartLIVING THE CATHOLIC LIFE

On a daily basis, Catholic Financial Life Advisor Donna Rivard is busy serving our members, listening to their financial needs and guiding them in the right direction to meet their financial goals. When the business of the day is done however, she takes on a special ministry walking alongside those who are grieving, helping them find a way to travel through the healing process. Most of all, she listens with her heart, providing support and simply being present to their emotional pain.

God gives us opportunities to live rich, vibrant lives its our responsibility to serve and be disciples to one another. Donna Rivard

Donna Rivard (left) with Jan Fredrickson