A new ministry for parents who have lost a child at any age for any reason has begun in the diocese. 

The first gathering took place at St. Agnes Parish in Freeland toward the end of 2022. Dozens of parents participated in the retreat, which included time for prayer, lighting of candles in remembrance of their children, reflections, small group sharing, the Sacrament of Penance (confession), Mass and fellowship.

JoAnn Pogoreski, a parishioner of Christ the Good Shepherd in Saginaw, shared her testimony at the retreat.

JoAnn suffered the loss of her son in March of 2021. “Nothing compares to losing a child,” said Pogoreski. “He was a part of me and I brought him into the world. I had a real hard time with it. I was angry at God for a long time. But I found comfort at church. If I didn’t have God in my life, I would not have made it through this last year and a half.

“When I was asked if I would like to share at the retreat . . .