From the Office of Family Ministry

“And in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”. Rm. 8:28

As the summer months wane, and plans for the coming months are initiated, I reflect upon the changes taking place in the lives of families, which, in turn, affect the dynamics in our parishes.
Students are entering various levels of education for the first time.  Newly married couples are entering marriage with great expectations, while parents are experiencing the adjustment to the empty-nest syndrome.  At a time when excited, though apprehensive, young people are entering their chosen profession, older people are transitioning into the unknown of retirement years.  Others are experiencing deep sadness, whether through a sudden illness, loss of employment, the death of loved ones, or the pain of separation and divorce.
It is to those experiencing loss that I now turn – loss resulting from death or separation or divorce.  The annual Archdiocesan Retreat for Separated, Divorced, and Bereaved is scheduled for Friday evening and Saturday, October 25^th and 26^th, 2019.  In the quiet environment of Providence Spirituality Centre, Anna Racine, the facilitator of the ‘Grief Journey Retreat:  A Safe, Caring, and Nurturing Time’ invites you to come away, pause, reflect, and explore your personal journey of navigating through grief.  Anna is a Retreat facilitator at Mount Carmel Spiritual Centre in Niagara Falls, and she has much experience in facilitating the separation/divorce healing ministry and journeying with bereaved families.  This retreat is designed to provide participants with insight, hope, and support, as each moves forward in the healing process. 

For further information, contact Sr. Lucy Kearney at 613-548-4461.