Pastoral Care Ministries
Eucharistic Ministry to the Homebound and Nursing Homes
Our priests celebrate Mass once a month at several nursing homes within our community, bringing the comfort and presence of Christ to residents. In addition, our dedicated volunteer Eucharistic Ministers visit those who are homebound, offering friendship, prayer, and the opportunity to receive Holy Communion.
If you or a loved one are unable to attend Mass in person and would like a visit, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
We are currently in urgent need of additional volunteer Eucharistic Ministers for our homebound parishioners. Volunteers must be 18 years or older and have a heart for service and compassion.
For questions, requests, or to volunteer, please contact Aevanne at asheoighe@stmartin.org or call (408) 294-8953 ext. 316.
You may also reach the Parish Office directly at (408) 294-8953.
Grief Counseling
The holiday season can be one of the most difficult times for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. While the world around us celebrates, many find this season brings a deep sense of loneliness, longing, and sadness. This year, we are unfortunately unable to offer our own grief support workshop; however, we understand how important it is to find comfort and connection during this time. There are several local organizations and faith communities offering grief support groups and workshops throughout Santa Clara County — spaces where you can find understanding, healing, and hope. Please see the resources below for more details, and don’t hesitate to reach out to Aevanne at asheoighe@stmartin.org if you need additional information or help navigating the available programs.
Community and Faith-Based Grief Resources
There are many free or low-cost church-based and secular grief counseling resources and workshops available throughout Santa Clara County.
You can visit 🌐FindHelp.org to explore a wide range of free community grief support groups and workshops available in your area. The listings are reviewed regularly to ensure the information remains accurate and up to date.
🌐GriefShare groups meet at multiple churches throughout San Jose. They offer both structured, multi-week programs and drop-in sessions that include video lessons, group discussions, and shared support. Most are free to attend, though some may request a small fee for an optional workbook.
You can also refer to the “Grief Support in Santa Clara County” directory provided by the county, which lists dozens of bereavement and counseling resources across the region — secular, faith-based, youth, adult, and loss-specific. 🌐Grief Support in Santa Clara County (PDF Directory). This directory is periodically updated to help you find relevant and up-to-date groups and support services near you.
Parish Programs in Santa Clara County
• St Francis Cabrini
Grief Support Group (8-week series)
Meets Mondays at 7:00 pm in the Parish Center when in session (next series date: see parish site/bulletin).
📍 15333 Woodard Rd, San José, CA 95124 • ☎ (408) 879-1120 • 🌐 Website
• St. Joseph of Cupertino
Group grief counseling on the 3rd Sunday of each month, 2:30–3:30 pm In the Fr Greg Kimm Community Center. Check calendar here 🌐 St Joseph Calendar
📍 10110 North De Anza Boulevard, Cupertino | ☎ 408.252.7653 | 🌐 Website
• Santa Teresa Catholic Church
Hope & Healing Connection Circle A compassionate space for those navigating grief and loss, this circle is facilitated by volunteers from both Holy Spirit and Santa Teresa parishes. The group meets on the second Saturday of every month, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and is open to all. Participants are invited to share, listen, and find strength in community and faith.
📍 Calero Ave, San José, CA 95123 ☎ | (408) 629-7777 | 🌐Website
• Holy Spirit Parish (San Jose)
📍 1200 Redmond Ave, San Jose | 🌐 Website
• Sacred Heart Parish – Saratoga
Seasons of Hope is a compassionate, faith-centered program for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one. Hosted by Sacred Heart Parish and open to all faiths, the ministry offers a safe and prayerful space to share, reflect, and heal.
Each year, the parish offers three six-week sessions—in Spring, Summer, and Fall. Meetings are 1½ hours each week and include prayer, scripture, sharing, journaling, discussion, and meditation. The final gathering often concludes with light refreshments and fellowship.
There is no fee, and all materials are provided.
Sessions are announced in the parish bulletin and online.
📧 Contact: Carolyn Orasin – c.orasin@sacredheartsaratoga.org
📍 13716 Saratoga Avenue, Saratoga | ☎ (408) 867-3634 | 🌐 Website
Quick Link Resources
• Kara – Grief Support (Palo Alto)
Provides free, peer-based grief support groups and counseling for children, teens, and adults.
📍 457 Kingsley Ave, Palo Alto | ☎ 650-321-5272 | 🌐www.kara-grief.org
• Bill Wilson Center – Centre for Living with Dying (Santa Clara)
Offers individual counseling and group support such as 'Dimensions of Grief' (for adults) and 'Healing Heart' (for families). Most services are free or sliding scale.
📍 3490 The Alameda, Santa Clara | ☎ 408-850-6145 | 🌐www.billwilsoncenter.org
• Center for Grief & Loss (San Jose)
Hospice of the Valley program offering free community grief support groups.
📍 4850 Union Ave, San Jose | ☎ 408-559-5614 | 🌐Website
• Grief 2 Hope
Offers a free 7-week program using 'GRIEF' as an acronym for the healing process. Participants share their journey and learn from others in a safe and supportive space.
🌐 www.grief2hopesupport.com
• The Compassionate Friends – Santa Clara County Chapter
Support for parents and families grieving the loss of a child.
📍 St. Justin’s School Resource Center, 2655 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara | ☎ 408-410-3148 | 🌐website
Annual Memorial Mass
In Loving Memory Table for All Souls' Day
Thank you to everyone who entrusted us with the photos of your loved ones for our All Souls remembrance in November 2025. It was an honor to hold them in prayer and keep them present on our altar.
We are grateful for your devotion and for sharing the memory of your loved ones with our community.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Our prayer shawls are knitted or crocheted by parish volunteers. As each shawl is being created, the person doing the work is praying for the blessings of courage, strength, and hope for the recipient. When the shawls are completed, they are blessed by one of our priests before they are freely given to anyone who can benefit from their comfort and support. These persons may be someone experiencing deep grief, facing the trials of aging, dealing with being a shut-in, being terminally or chronically ill, or facing a critical time in their life. New members are always welcome to join the team.
Our Prayer Shawl Coordinator is Aevanne Ni Sheoighe.. If you would like to join the ministry, or would like a prayer shawl delivered, or would like to pick one up. For more information please contact the Parish Office at: 408-294-8953.
A note attached to each shawl reads as follows:
“This shawl was made for you by the members of the Prayer Shawl Ministry of St. Martin of Tours. You were being prayed for as it was being created. The prayers were that our Heavenly Father would give you blessings of courage, strength and hope. May this shawl remind you of God’s love for you and the prayers offered by the Pastoral Care Ministries & the community.”