Healing and resilience retreats: views from participants

Several participants in our Healing and Resilience Retreats have generously offered to share their experiences with the Lab audience. We pass those words along here as examples of the comfort and growth that can come from chaplains connecting and resting in space and time set aside for their healing:

On arriving at the retreat, I was feeling quite scattered. Car trouble developed en route, making me anxious I might break down on the interstate. I had to turn off as much as I could, including the A/C fan, and I was sweltering in the 90 degree heat. So I was very relieved by the quiet coolness of the retreat center and the friendly welcome I received from the staff.

There was time to settle in and have a relaxing dinner with all the retreatants and facilitators. After dinner, the retreat team invited us to recall and recover our experience of the pandemic and all we had been through, encouraging us to reflect on our goals for the weekend. They suggested we settle on six words that embody what we would like to focus on. For me those words were to rest; to grieve; self-acceptance; forgiveness; renewal; and thankfulness.

The plan for the weekend was relaxed and allowed plenty of time for personal prayer, reflection, walks in the woods, conversation, and sleep. I was honored by the profound honesty and vulnerability of my fellow retreatants in sharing their often searing experiences of loss, grief and fatigue during the pandemic and beyond. I was also warmed by the attentiveness and respect shown to everyone who shared their journey and insight. My favorite hour was early Sunday morning – walking the labyrinth, sitting on a bench in the shade beside the forest, listening to a woodpecker and a rooster while saying morning prayer, and reflecting on the scripture of Elijah calling Elisha and Jesus challenging me not to look behind once I’ve set my hand to the plow. By our closing ceremony on late Sunday morning, I felt renewed with confidence that I am where I am meant to be, and with trust that the presence I bring is enough to offer healing, understanding and consolation to those touched by my ministry.

Deacon Jim McGovern serves the Roman Catholic Diocese of Paterson, New Jersey.