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The Catechism in Questions & Answers

705. What is the purpose of support for the bereaved?

Support for the bereaved serves to encourage the bereaved to talk about their loss and give expression to their feelings. It should be possible for the bereaved to speak with their minister openly about sadness, fear, anger, feelings of resentment toward God, and feelings of guilt. In coping with grief it is often helpful to remind the bereaved of the positive and cheerful experiences they have made with the departed.
Providing comfort to the bereaved through pastoral care may require weeks and months, and perhaps even years, after the death of a loved one.