Frequently Asked Questions...

What groups/populations does this program serve?

This program is meant to serve all adults and teens who have suffered from the scourge of abuse, whether it be physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, as well as abandonment or neglect. This includes people who have been abused by family members or relatives. Grief to Grace addresses the resulting psychological, emotional, and spiritual trauma.

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 all 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 or practice.

What about the 'Catholic' part?

The retreat includes some elements to meet the particular needs of Catholics on retreat, 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? This doesn’t feel safe to me. 

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-night program in the United States is $1,800. This includes accommodation in a room, all meals, program costs, and after-care materials.  

That's expensive, isn’t it?  

Grief to Grace is a private lay ministry that relies on charitable donations and makes no profit. We offer the retreat at or below the actual cost. The largest portion goes directly to the retreat center to pay for their facilities (cleaning, meals, etc). Any balance goes towards program materials and administration. Our teams are comprised of credentialed therapists and specially trained priests and lay team members who volunteer their time to staff our retreats. By attending the retreat, you will receive about 40 hours of specialized attention to the trauma inflicted by abuse in your life. Compare the $1,800 cost of the retreat with the average cost of psychotherapy that starts at around $100 to $200 per 50-minute session.