January 8, 2026

Help People Walk through the Tomb to the Resurrection

The Order of Christian Funerals gives us a wealth of services and prayers around death, and the three main rituals are profound ways to honor the life of the deceased, recognize the death, and begin the grief process in a supportive atmosphere. But then what? In too many parishes, families, and communities, we walk people to the tomb but then we essentially leave them there. Living the Passionist charism, we proclaim Christ Crucified; how do we also proclaim Christ resurrected from death to new life? How do we support the grieving people we care about, serve, and work with all the way through the tomb to the hope that the Paschal Mystery brings? In this session, learn language, skills, and tips that correct some of the common mistakes we make and offer pathways to comfort and healing, no matter where someone is in their grief process.

Biography

Amy Florian is a nationally recognized speaker and teacher who uses her personal experience, advanced education, and knowledge from over 35 years of parish liturgy, support group, and bereavement ministries for her engaging and dynamic presentations.

Amy holds a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Studies, and she is a Fellow in Thanatology (the highest level of certification in the field of death and grief studies). She was the executive director of Stauros, a non-profit organization founded by the Passionists, for 5 years.

She taught in the graduate ministry department of Loyola University in Chicago for almost 10 years. She founded Corgenius (a company that teaches professionals how to serve people in times of transition and loss), published articles and books, and has a passion for helping people heal, explore their faith, and live fully.

Resources

• For more of my tips and skills, written from primarily a secular perspective: A Friend Indeed: Help Those You Love When They Grieve by Amy Florian. 
• For an easy read written from a Christian perspective by an ordained minister and hospice worker - Faith Doesn't Erase Grief: Embracing the Experience and Finding Hope by Kate J. Meyer
• For the academic research foundation on the ways grief affects the brain and why it takes so long to resolve - The Grieving Brain by Mary Frances O'Connor.

Reflection Questions

• In what ways were you affirmed in your communications with grieving people, and in what ways were you challenged or see the need to change?
• Who is in your personal or professional circle right now who needs your support and companionship?
• What skills, language, or ideas would you add to this presentation from your own experience?