Grief Support Group

Churches in the Bloomington-Richfield area are working together to provide free support and education for adults who are grieving the death of a loved one. You can start any series at any time. There is no commitment on attendance and no cost. You may also only attend the speaker portion of the session, or stay for support group. Group meetings are held on Thursdays, 4:30-6:00 PM.  Each session includes:

Education presentation 4:30-5:00 PM: Understanding the grief process and the many emotions involved in working through one's grief makes the journey less frightening. Guest speakers share their own experiences and professional knowledge on grief and loss.

Support 5:00-6:00 PM: Small groups will be formed where the participants will have the opportunity to share their feelings and concerns with others who are also working through the grief process.

See brgriefcoalition.com for additional information. 

The Winter 2026 Series

will take place from January 8 through February 26, 2026, and will be held at:

Catholic Church of St. Richard

7540 Penn Avenue South, Door #5, Richfield, MN  55423       612-869-2426

Staff Contact: Sheila Przesmicki, sheila@assumptionrichfield.org

Our Winter topics and speakers are: 

January 8: "The Puzzle Called Grief” by Donna Mathiowetz

Donna is a speaker and author who experienced the death of two children.

January 15: "Soul Work” by Bob Bartlett

Bob is with Phoenix Process Consultants in Minnetonka and is a speaker, counselor, and family therapist.

January 22: "Intimacy” by Bob Bartlett

Bob is with Phoenix Process Consultants in Minnetonka and is a speaker, counselor, and family therapist.

January 29: "Understanding Grief” by Mary Marcoux

Mary has been providing grief counseling, education, and support group facilitation to the Twin Cities and surrounding area for more than 20 years.

February 5: "The Teeter-Totter of Grief & Hope" by Ted Bowman.

Ted, from St. Paul, is an educator, consultant, trainer, and speaks in Minnesota and across the U.S, and the United Kingdom.

February 12: "The Characteristics of Grief” by Paul Johnson

Chaplain Paul is a consultant and trainer on issues related to loss and grief. He retired as the Bereavement Services Supervisor for Health Partners Hospice and Palliative Care.

February 19: "The Courage to Ask: Embracing Help on the Path to Healing” by Renee Garpestad

Dr. Renee Garpestad is a speaker and writer who inspires hope and belief that “anything is possible.”

February 26: "Trauma Connected to Grief” by Brittany Squillac

Brittany is a licensed marriage and family therapist and grief counselor from Prior Lake, Minnesota.

2026 Schedule

Winter 2026: January 8 - February 26 at St. Richard Catholic Church, Richfield

Spring 2026: April 9 - May 28 at Peace Lutheran Church, Bloomington

Summer 2026: July 9 - August 27 at Oak Grove Presbyterian Church, Blooomington

Fall 2026: September 24 - November 12 at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Bloomington

Questions? Contact Beth Gaetz at (952) 881-8671 extension 8070 or Pastor Otis Borup, Vice President of BRGSC at (612) 735-2839 or otis.borup@nhumc.net