We realize that everyone’s story of divorce or separation is unique. We believe – and we have seen – that the retreat has something to offer everyone who has experienced their parents’ divorce or separation, no matter when it happened or the particular circumstances involved. The retreat is also for those whose parents received a declaration of nullity (annulment) or whose parents never married (and are no longer together).  

We are also aware that participants come on this retreat at very different places in their spiritual and healing journeys. The retreat leaders aim to accompany everyone with kindness and compassion, but it’s important to discern prior to going on retreat whether you’re at a healthy place to closely examine the wounds and sadness caused by your parents’ divorce or separation. For those currently working with a counselor or therapist, we recommend asking their professional opinion.

While there are certainly some similar struggles and pain, this retreat is not the right fit for those who have experienced parental loss due to a death of a parent or adoption. Those are difficult situations that require a different, specific pastoral program than what we offer here. Please be assured of our prayers for your healing.

And, of course, if you were adopted or if your parent passed away, and your parents have also gotten divorced or separated, then you would be more than welcome to join us for a retreat for healing of the wounds from that parental divorce or separation.

Presentations cover a broad range of topics, including how one’s parents’ divorce or separation affects one’s identity and relationship with God; its impact on trust, dating, and marriage; ways to navigate anger and anxiety; true Christian forgiveness; appropriate boundaries with family members; redemptive suffering; gratitude and joy; and more.

Many retreatants identify this time as their favorite part of the retreat; it can be very healing to discover that others are facing similar challenges and really “get it.” The small groups allow an opportunity to “unpack” the material in the presentations. However, we know that not everyone is comfortable sharing in a small-group setting, and that people process information differently. Thus, participating in a small group is optional, and retreatants can opt instead for personal prayer or journaling time.

Everyone has a story and it is important to write it out because by doing so participants grieve, grow in clarity, and untangle the different emotions, effects, and moments in their lives related to the pain of their parents’ divorce or separation. We therefore encourage journaling and prompt participants with specific questions so that they receive insight and healing through this process. Many participants tell us how helpful it is to have one unified story by the end of the retreat, a story that sheds light on who they are and where they need to grow. Many also tell us that they would have never done this on their own, and that the journaling prompts are very motivating and helpful for their healing. (We have our own Life-Giving Wounds Journal, too!)

As a Catholic retreat, our in-person weekends includes sacramental moments (Eucharist and Confession) and prayerful devotions like Eucharistic adoration, scriptural meditation, and the Divine Mercy Chaplet. On our online retreats, prayer is part of every session, and we encourage attendees to spend time in adoration and go to confession during the retreat timeframe. Moments of prayer are presented with care and reverence on the retreat, with the strong conviction that our faith is the greatest source of healing. At the same time, all ACODs are welcome to attend regardless of their religious background or current connection to their faith. It’s always an option to spend time in personal prayer or journaling if individuals do not want to participate in a certain religious activity.

The retreat model is either a three-day format in person (see sample schedule here), or a seven-week weekly format when offered online (we do one online retreat a year). The experienced Life-Giving Wounds traveling retreat team can direct the first retreat in a locale, which includes training local leaders to continue the retreat into the future. More information about bringing the retreat to your parish, diocese, or campus can be found here.

Learn how to partner with us here!

Life-Giving Wounds retreats are not traditional, psychological counseling led by a trained and licensed counselor or psychologist. Instead, we provide peer-based spiritual guidance, support, and community, grounded in virtue development, prayer, and sound psychological principles and practices.