Our retreats help anyone who has suffered from abuse, whether physical, emotional, or sexual (including people who have been abused by family members or relatives) - and anyone who has experienced abandonment or neglect.
Do I have to be a Christian or practicing Catholic to come on a retreat?
No, definitely not. The Grief to Grace retreat is designed to bring healing to the wounds of trauma, including spiritual wounds. Although the Grief to Grace retreat was written from a Judeo/Christian point of view, we welcome people of any—or no—religious practice. No one is ever pressured, expected to change, or adopt a new religion.
What about the 'Catholic' part?
The retreat includes some elements to meet the particular needs of Catholics, such as daily Mass and availability of the sacraments. These activities are not part of the retreat exercises, and participation is entirely voluntary.
Why do you include both men and women on the retreat? Don’t they each need their own retreat?
We take great care to provide an environment that is safe and supportive for everyone who attends our retreat seeking the same thing: healing from the wounds of abuse. By going through the retreat process together, women and men recognize that, as survivors of abuse, they share many of the same wounds and the same desires for freedom. Along the way, a great deal of fear, shame, and blame falls away and is replaced by a greater appreciation and respect for one another.
How much does the retreat cost?
The cost of the 5-day program in the United States is $1,800, which is at or below our actual cost of paying the retreat center for their facilities (cleaning, meals, etc) and providing your retreat materials and program supplies. When you attend a retreat, you receive approximately 40 hours of specialized attention towards the trauma inflicted by abuse in your life. Compare that with the average cost of psychotherapy, which starts between $100 to $200 per 50-minute session. Our teams are comprised of credentialed therapists and specially trained ministers and volunteers who give their time to staff our retreats.