S2 E2: Seasons of Hope with Donna MacCleod
After six long years of constant chemotherapy, painful procedures, many relapses, and a brush with death from the chickenpox virus, Donna MacCleod’s daughter Erynne, died of leukemia at age 9. Her love of life, cheerful spirit, and devotion to Jesus inspired many. Being in her presence changed Donna as Erynne was a child of hope. In her early periods of grief, Donna began to write a spiritual companion to help others who were tending to their own grief.
In this week’s episode, Andrea and Jennifer sit down with Donna Mac Cleod, author of Season of Hope: Finding Comfort in Your Grief, a Catholic Approach for Small Groups and Individuals (Ave Maria Press).She attributes these journals' existence because of her daughter.
This episode is in memory of Erynne MacCleod, Jacqueline and Angus MacLeod, Sundy and Isabelle Mann.
About the author: Donna is a nurse, bereft mom, Catholic lay leader, bereavement ministry specialist, and author known for her unique Christ-centered program for those who mourn. Her bestselling Seasons of Hope ministry books now have an updated Leader’s Guide: Bringing Comfort through Catholic Grief Support and four companion Journals: Finding Comfort in Your Grief (Ave Maria Press). Her writings on grief, loss, and faith also appear in CareNotes, PrayerNotes, and Caring Companions (Abbey Press) and other publications.
She holds BA and MA in nursing and has served as an oncology clinical specialist, nurse educator, administrator, and hospice professional. She was on the board of trustees of the former National Catholic Ministry to the Bereaved and is a member of the Catholic Family Life Association.
Donna has spoken about the need for ongoing Catholic grief support at numerous conferences across America and Canada. She consults with ministry leaders interested in Seasons of Hope and offers an Enrichment Webinar Series sponsored Ave Maria Press for facilitators and helpers. Besides enjoying life by Nantucket Sound with husband, Bryan, she treasures her time with family and friends, as well as the brokenhearted folks who come to Seasons of Hope to be comforted.
You can connect with Donna through the Ave Maria Website:
https://www.avemariapress.com/authors/m-donna-macleod
or through her email at: seasonsofhope35@gmail.com
If you have questions or want to reach out to Jennifer or Andrea email them at mourningglorypodcast@gmail.com or reach out to them directly.