A Time to Heal: One Weekend, Two Options for a Grief Retreat

Presented by Rev. Catherine Kuschel and Susan Soriano

WHERE THERE IS DESPAIR, HOPE

When a spouse or significant other, child, relative, friend, work colleague or even an acquaintance dies by suicide, a trail of unanswered questions and pain remains. This uncertainty and sorrow make it difficult, if not seemingly impossible, for those left behind to come to resolution of the death of their loved ones. The grief and healing process will be addressed at this retreat through an exploration of the spiritual, theological, and psychological dimensions surrounding recovery after a death by suicide. Participants will have opportunities to engage in quiet reflection as well as to make connections with others who have lost a loved one to suicide. Prayer services, including a service of remembrance and healing for those who have been lost to us, will be a part of the weekend.

Rev. Catherine Kuschel, M. Div, MAC, PsyD, LPCC, LADC, is a licensed mental health therapist and drug and alcohol counselor in the State of Minnesota, where she works at a residential treatment facility for women suffering from the co-occurring conditions of drug addiction and mental illness. She has experience working with persons on both sides of the suicide issue: those who have attempted and survived and those who have been left behind by someone who died by suicide. Catherine is also an ordained minister in the Episcopal Church, serving a small congregation in New Richmond, WI, and is a trained spiritual director.

MOVING THROUGH GRIEF INTO GRATITUDE

To love someone includes not only the willingness to know and be changed by that love but also the possibility of losing that love whether by death, estrangement, or abandonment to name a few. Grief is the heart’s response to loss – of course there will be challenges.  It is human nature to avoid change and now we are faced with this terrible pain and sorrow that disrupts our life and patterns of living. We want so desperately to return to the way it was. The great wisdom is not to move away from the sorrow and changes but to lean into it – to listen to the questions that arise and to honor the importance of the journey. This retreat is designed to help us make space for our feelings and to recover our bearings after the loss of a loved one. The goal is not to forget the past but to honor the journey we shared for a season and a time, grateful for what has been and what lies before us.

Susan Soriano has worked in ministry for many years. She is a retired director of faith formation and pastoral minister and was a member of the extended preaching team at St. Anthony’s. She is a graduate of the Diocesan Lay Formation and Leader of Prayer programs and earned a certificate in Servant Leadership through Viterbo University. Susan enjoyed married life for many years and is mother to five children. Having lost a spouse, she believes in the importance of knowing that we are not alone in our grief and that we can help one another heal through shared experiences and insights.

Registration begins at 3:00 pm on Friday, followed by orientation at 5:45 and supper at 6:00. The retreat concludes after the noon meal on Sunday.

The investment for the weekend retreat is $225 and includes lodging in a regular room and six meals. There is a ‘Saturday Only’ option for ‘Moving Through Grief into Gratitude 9am – 4pm, investment $70.

If you are unable to attend due to financial obstacles, please contact us regarding payment plans or other options.

To register, call 715-443-2236, email info@sarcenter.com, or click here.