Losing a child is one of the most tragic and difficult challenges of life.
As a mother or father, there is no heartache more painful or excruciating to experience; no burden heavier to carry.
The death of a child, at any age or stage of life, can shake or unsettle the spirituality and the faith of one or both parents; the death of a child may disturb or disrupt the emotional, mental, and even physical health of one or both parents; and quite often the death of a child can affect the stability, or even the permanence, of the marriage relationship itself.
Whether the loss occurs pre-birth or later on in life; whether death is anticipated following a long illness or occurs suddenly; whether death is solitary or involves others; or whether death comes about at the hands of another or is a death by suicide, there is a unique sort of grief for parents who lose a child.
Finding hope
There is hope for healing for both mothers and fathers through the Emmaus Retreat for Grieving Parents.
The Emmaus Retreat offers hope, comfort, and support, as well as the opportunity to join with other parents who have lost a child.
Being able to share the burden, the pain, and the continued challenge of healing with other parents who have also experienced such a devastating loss can begin healing or continue the healing process.
Comments from past Emmaus Retreat participants include: “[It] helped me better understand the grieving process.”
“[It was] comforting to meet others with similar experiences.”
The Emmaus Retreat invites parents to examine their own spiritual journey following the loss of their child.
With many parents noting that they have experienced a blow to their faith, to their relationship with God, and to their religious practice as it had once been, the retreat provides time for parents to discern where their spiritual journey has led them since the absence of their child.
Just as Jesus walked with His disciples and comforted them in their grief and dismay on the road to Emmaus, retreat participants are encouraged to examine how Jesus has been walking with them on this journey and open themselves to seeing Him in the breaking of the bread.
Similarly, participants are invited to walk with one another on their grief journey.
Grief is universal and the retreat is open to those of all faith traditions.
One aspect of the retreat will include providing a deeper understanding of the teachings of the Catholic Church surrounding dying, death, suicide, and loss, allowing the opportunity for parents to find some comfort and peace.
Take part in the retreat
An Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents Retreat will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 602 Everglade Dr., Madison, on Saturday, May 31.
This is a one-day retreat from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., including lunch and dinner, prayer, Scripture, witness talks by the retreat team, music, and a time for personal reflection, as well as the opportunity to attend Mass and Reconciliation.
Participation in any of the various activities of the day is optional.
Anyone who has lost a child — of any age, by any means, no matter how long ago — is invited to attend the retreat.
A parent may register as an individual, but it is encouraged that couples attend together.
Registration can be submitted by going to emfgp.org.
A free-will offering may be made; a nominal fee of $50 per person (or $75 per couple) is suggested.
Early registration is encouraged, as registration is limited.
For questions, contact Laura Sokup, mental wellness program coordinator for the Diocese of Madison at 608-821-3053 or Laura.Sokup@madisondiocese.org.