BELOIT — Losing a child for any reason or under any circumstance is tragic.
According to various sources, it is the deepest, most horrible grief. A parent’s life changes drastically and dramatically forever.
The Diocese of Madison has recently become one of several dioceses to adopt the Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents.
It’s a unique Catholic bereavement ministry serving the spiritual needs of parents whose children of any age have died by any cause — no matter how long ago.
As explained in an Emmaus Ministry brochure, there is a rich symbolism in the Emmaus story as told in the gospels of Mark and of Luke.
As Jesus joined his distraught disciples on the road to Emmaus after his crucifixion, parents are invited to ask Him to join them as they struggle through this journey of grief every day.
Retreat coming to diocese
With the endorsement and support of Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison and Diocese of Madison, Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA) Parish in Beloit will become the first in Wisconsin and surrounding states to host an Emmaus Ministry Retreat.
The one-day spiritual retreat will be held at Our Lady of the Assumption, 2222 Shopiere Rd., Beloit, on Saturday, May 14, from 9:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.
All grieving parents are welcome to attend regardless of situation or religion.
For additional information, or to register for the retreat, go to: www.emfgp.org or contact: Janna at 810-304-2484 or Laurie at 608-751-8879.
Founders of the Emmaus Ministry, Charles and Diane Monaghan, from Boston, Mass., are scheduled to be facilitators for the retreat at OLA.
The Monaghans, whose son, Paul, took his life on Thanksgiving Day in 2002, began the Emmaus Ministry in Boston in 2009 with the mission to serve the spiritual needs of grieving parents.
They also wanted to assist those interested in bringing this ministry to their own parish or region.
This caring ministry has now spread to 26 states, Canada, and Ireland.
OLA Pastor Fr. Mike Resop stated, “As Pastor, I am humbled and honored to host the first grief retreat for parents who have dealt with the death of a child. And, I cannot say enough for the grief ministry team led by Laura Warzecha, OLA’s pastoral minister, who brings such love and caring to those dealing with grief.” He added, “Grief ministry is vital to heal the unbelievable brokenness caused by death and for God’s grace to bring hope and comfort.”
Janna Seefeldt, parishioner and coordinator of this retreat, stated, “This ministry serves the needs of grieving parents for their own spiritual journeys. Emmaus focuses on where you are with your own relationship with God right now.”
Seefeldlt’s daughter, Sydney, died of cancer seven years ago.
“Sydney’s death changed me forever. Her death changed my life in every aspect — understanding people, accepting, and it’s taught me to not fear death,” Seefeldt solemnly said. She also has a son.
According to Seefeldt, the retreat will focus on the spirituality of the grieving process.
“It is not a workshop or a seminar, or even a support group. We don’t force people to share their spiritual journeys or tell their stories. Parents are invited to share as much or as little as they would like. These retreats focus on the fact that our deceased children are eternal beings. They are still very much alive.”
After assisting with Seasons of Hope at OLA, Seefeldt knew she needed more help.
“I also wanted to help other people because this loss is a difficult road,” she said.
Eventually, Warzecha suggested the Emmaus Ministry as a resource for Seefeldt.
“Laura thought the group support for parents would be good for me,” said Seefeldt.
She soon realized how helpful it would be to reach out to other grieving parents.
Meeting in person, she learned, allows grieving parents to take time off, to focus on their own personal spiritual grief journey. Working with a committee, she set out to host a local retreat.
Retreat schedule
The retreat schedule includes prayer, Scripture, music, and speakers.
Lunch is served and dinner follows the 5 p.m. Mass at OLA. All activities are optional for those attending. A freewill donation is appreciated.
The goal of each retreat is to offer peace and comfort, and hope in our risen Lord,” said Seefeldt.
She kindly added, “I hope many grieving parents will join us on May 14, in a warm and loving environment with others who know their pain.
The retreat has been referred to as a place where you can release some of the hurt without being put under any pressure to talk.
“You realize there are people there who’ve had similar experiences. That helps to not get over our own loss, but to get through it,” explained Seefeldt.
The hope is that many parishes in the diocese will host additional Emmaus retreats for grieving parents.