A message from the founders of Faith & Grief Ministries:

In the wake of Wednesday’s tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, we offer the condolences and prayers of the entire Faith & Grief Ministries community to the individuals and families affected by this senseless act of violence.

In times like this, the sadness, confusion, and outrage we experience as a society is overwhelming. The grief—of both families who lost loved ones and of a school that has been shaken to its core—is both raw and unrelenting.

Although many of us do not know the pain of losing a family member or friend in a mass shooting, we have experienced the grueling pain of grief far too often. Know that this grief, although it feels insurmountable, will not consume you.

As our nation grapples with how to persist in times of great sorrow, remember that it is only in community that we can heal. We invite you to visit the resource section of our website for information that may provide even a glimpse of understanding in your journey through grief. We also invite you to reach out to a Faith & Grief Ministries gathering or any grief group near you; someone stands ready to support you. We are here to help.

Faith & Grief Ministries was founded by Sharon Balch, Wendy Fenn and Fran Shelton.

Cover photo courtesy of the Associated Press.