Rev. Father Charles T. Rubey

Father Charles T. Rubey joined Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1972. Upon earning his Master’s degree in social work in 1977, he became Director of Mental Health Services, a post he held from 1978 until 1989—while concurrently holding other roles including Manager of the Division of Family and Community Services, now known as the Division of Family and Parish Support Services. From there, he moved to Director of Programs in 1993 and then Associate Director of Programs in 2004.

Fr. Rubey is also the Founder and Director the Catholic Charities LOSS (Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide) program. He created this unique ministry that brings people together to support one another at a time when they feel irreparably broken. LOSS is one of Fr. Rubey’s greatest contributions to Catholic Charities, the mental health field and to the thousands of people who have participated in this unique counseling and self-help program since he started it in 1979 at the request of three families who had lost loved ones to suicide. Today there are 12 meeting sites across Cook, Lake and McHenry Counties and the Diocese of Joliet.

Through LOSS, Fr. Rubey’s talents have touched people around the world. In October 2006, LOSS hosted a training seminar at the request of the World Health Organization. In 2008 at the request of the Beijing Suicide Research and Prevention Center, and with the support of Suicide Prevention International (SPT), the LOSS staff performed a special LOSS training in Beijing, China.

Father Rubey’s compassion is felt by all who turn to LOSS at one of their darkest times.

In 1979 Fr. Rubey started the LOSS Program at the request of three families who had lost loved ones to suicide. Each month he would send out a one page letter to participants of the LOSS Meetings along with an article about mental illness or suicide. It wasn’t until Therese Gump was hired in the 90’s that the Obelisk Monthly Newsletter was born. With her vision for the publication, Fr. Rubey committed to writing a monthly article related to suicide grief in which he would link his thoughts with a topic specific to each month. Initially, the newsletter had various formats and designs, but From the Desk of Fr. Rubey was consistent. His article touched upon topics that related to so many grieving suicide survivors as they celebrated the memory of their loved ones during holidays or the unique quality of any given month. His article became a beacon of hope to many who found Fr. Rubey’s writings thoughtful and insightful, offering a new way to look at their loss throughout the year without diminishing their valid feelings of sadness or anger.

After years of encouragement to create a book of his best writings, Fr. Rubey set out to do just that. All proceeds for this beautiful book go to the LOSS Program. The readers will journey through holidays and seasons with suggestions for navigating the emotions and traditions of the time while grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide.

Quantity

1 book $35.00 USD 2 books $70.00 USD 3 books $105.00 USD 4 books $140.00 USD 5 books $175.00 USD 6 books $210.00 USD 7 books $245.00 USD 8 books $280.00 USD