Retreat to give caregivers the opportunity to care for themselves
April 18, 2024 at 2:20 p.m.
Persons who dedicate their time and energy as caregivers will have an opportunity to be rejuvenated and take time for themselves during a daylong retreat May 1 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in San Alfonso Retreat House, West End.
An annual event hosted by the diocesan Office of Pastoral Life and Mission, this year’s program will offer a day of self-care for all tending to family members as well as Catholic clergy, religious and laity who work or volunteer in parish caring ministries(visiting the sick, or homebound, bereavement support, addiction and recovery ministry, support groups for separated and divorced and other ministries that provide spiritual accompaniment).
“Caregiving is sacred work but it can make you weary,” said Terry Ginther, diocesan chancellor and executive director of the Office of Pastoral Life and Mission.
“We internalize the grief, anxiety, sadness and stress of others as we try to support them along the journey. You know what it feels like to be overwhelmed, perhaps becoming short-tempered, or losing your sense of joy. We all need ways of letting go of the stuff we carry around. We all need ways to connect with God who wants to heal, renew and refresh us,” Ginther said.
The day will begin with a presentation at 9:45 a.m. by keynote speaker Teresa Galvin Anderson, followed by Mass at 11 and lunch. The afternoon session will begin at 1:30 p.m. during which attendees will take part in a reflection using a finger labyrinth and praying with color.
Galvin Anderson works as a mission leader for Trinity Health, the umbrella corporation that operates Catholic hospitals across the country. She is a certified Catholic chaplain with responsibilities to care for the chaplains and other staff within the hospital system. She brings to her work her talent as an artists (Anam Cara Art Designs) with her interest in prayer and spirituality. She has been professionally trained in a variety of creative prayer and reflection techniques, some of which she will share with participants during the retreat.
“Come and get some new tools for your self-care toolbox,” Ginther said. “Let beauty be a healing balm.”
Fee to attend is $50 per person and includes lunch. San Alfonso Retreat House is located at 755 Ocean Ave., West End. Participants are asked to arrive between 8:45-9:15 for registration and continental breakfast. To register, visit dioceseoftrenton.org/pastoral care.
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Persons who dedicate their time and energy as caregivers will have an opportunity to be rejuvenated and take time for themselves during a daylong retreat May 1 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in San Alfonso Retreat House, West End.
An annual event hosted by the diocesan Office of Pastoral Life and Mission, this year’s program will offer a day of self-care for all tending to family members as well as Catholic clergy, religious and laity who work or volunteer in parish caring ministries(visiting the sick, or homebound, bereavement support, addiction and recovery ministry, support groups for separated and divorced and other ministries that provide spiritual accompaniment).
“Caregiving is sacred work but it can make you weary,” said Terry Ginther, diocesan chancellor and executive director of the Office of Pastoral Life and Mission.
“We internalize the grief, anxiety, sadness and stress of others as we try to support them along the journey. You know what it feels like to be overwhelmed, perhaps becoming short-tempered, or losing your sense of joy. We all need ways of letting go of the stuff we carry around. We all need ways to connect with God who wants to heal, renew and refresh us,” Ginther said.
The day will begin with a presentation at 9:45 a.m. by keynote speaker Teresa Galvin Anderson, followed by Mass at 11 and lunch. The afternoon session will begin at 1:30 p.m. during which attendees will take part in a reflection using a finger labyrinth and praying with color.
Galvin Anderson works as a mission leader for Trinity Health, the umbrella corporation that operates Catholic hospitals across the country. She is a certified Catholic chaplain with responsibilities to care for the chaplains and other staff within the hospital system. She brings to her work her talent as an artists (Anam Cara Art Designs) with her interest in prayer and spirituality. She has been professionally trained in a variety of creative prayer and reflection techniques, some of which she will share with participants during the retreat.
“Come and get some new tools for your self-care toolbox,” Ginther said. “Let beauty be a healing balm.”
Fee to attend is $50 per person and includes lunch. San Alfonso Retreat House is located at 755 Ocean Ave., West End. Participants are asked to arrive between 8:45-9:15 for registration and continental breakfast. To register, visit dioceseoftrenton.org/pastoral care.