Originally Published on the website of Oblate School of Theology

October 28 @ 6:00 PM – October 29 @ 4:00 PM

$90.00

IN-PERSON EVENT | MARIAN MISSION HALL

Friday, October 28, 2022 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Central Time

Saturday, October 29, 2022 | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Central Time

Women’s Grief Retreat 2022 

The cycle of life can often be messy, intertwined with leaving relationships, homes, careers, and health behind as we move forward into the future. Unable to control the journey, the primary invitation is to respond rather than react to each loss. This requires a discipline of prayer, patience, and discernment in order to cooperate with God’s plan for our lives.

So much has changed in recent years, and the unknown of the future can loom like a heavy, weighted blanket on our shoulders. This can be discouraging, and feed our desire to give up. Yet, there are blessings in these storm clouds that can provide comfort and legacy for future generations. Join others on this journey. Exploring together we can see how we may live out our remaining years, surrendering to leaving these events behind, lamenting in a spiritually healthy way to see our way into becoming who we were created to be.

Retreat Dates/Times

This is a two-day in-person retreat that will take place at Marian Mission Hall on Friday, October 28th, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Central Time and on Saturday, October 29^th, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Central Time.

Facilitators

Christina (Tina) M. Guerra is a poet, spiritual director, widow, mother of one daughter and grandmother to two grandchildren.  She graduated with honors from Wayland Baptist University with an Associates Degree of Applied Science, specializing in Criminal Justice.  Guerra was a 2002 Nominee—Outstanding Women in State Government (Texas) and in 2003 received an Honorable Mention—Good Housekeeping National Award, Women in Government, for her community outreach and underage alcohol prevention efforts through a community-led psychodrama called Shattered Dreams, incorporating an overnight retreat similar to many faith-based retreats. Guerra is also a cofounder of CoCreating Harmony and Mobilizing Peacemakers (CCHaMPs) that conduct spiritual workshops for women throughout the Archdiocese.  Tina is also the author of Don’t Bother Me I’m Dying-A Journey Through Sorrow and Joy with Hope.

After retiring with 30 years service with the state of Texas, Guerra transitioned into spiritual direction to serve varied populations in numerous capacities, such as Soul-Friend with Haven For Hope (facilitating grief and loss retreats for its residents), a hospital lay chaplain (certified Respecting Choices facilitator who works with the chronically/terminal patient and their families), a hospice chaplain and as a spiritual director and retreat facilitator.  She completed studies with Oblate Grotto & Direction Ministries, San Antonio in 2009, The Center For Spiritual Growth And The Contemplative Life, San Antonio in 2012 and is a 2014 Associate of The Shalem Institute in Washington, DC.

Guerra is also an Elder with Oblate School of Theology’s Forest Dwelling Program.

Dr. Norma Greenfield-Laborde has over 30 years of experience with the Criminal Justice System. Her career started with The Texas Department of Criminal Justice- Parole Division. Dr. Greenfield-Laborde joined Bexar County as the Pretrial Operations Chief and Deputy Director of Judicial Services at the beginning of January 2012 and quickly became part of the Pretrial family. She enjoys teaching Criminal Justice at Our Lady of The Lake University as an adjunct instructor.  All too familiar with loss, Dr. Laborde brings a unique perspective to the Commissioners Reentry and the Faith Base Reentry Boards, serving as a member on both.

Dr. Laborde received her Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from Our Lady of The Lake University, an M.A. in management from Webster University and a B.S in Criminal Justice from Texas State University.

A native of San Antonio, Dr. Laborde is active in her community by serving on women’s retreats for Ministries of the Third Cross (MOTTC) and is a cofounder of CoCreating Harmony and Mobilizing Peacemakers (CCHaMPs) that conduct spiritual workshops for women.

Yvonne P. Garcia is a First Responder and Licensed Professional Counselor. She has worked 23 years as a firefighter/paramedic with the San Antonio Fire Dept. and has a private counseling practice she started in 2017. Yvonne has a master’s degree in Community Counseling from the University of Texas at San Antonio and focuses on Stress and Trauma and their affects. She is trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy, one of only a few research-based treatments for PTSD, Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), Peer Support, Crisis Intervention, Trauma and Grief, and numerous other Crisis and Trauma related topics.

Having experienced the stresses of a first responder and dealing first-hand with trauma and loss, Yvonne found it difficult to find help dealing with those issues. Her mission became clear—to help the helpers. She continues to work as a paramedic and also works with fire and police departments training Peer Support teams, doing behavioral health education and assisting in any way she can. Her private practice draws first responders, their families and the general public—anyone who needs a place to talk and heal. Yvonne is a member of St. Luke Catholic Church, CCHaMPs, Shields of Christ, and has facilitated numerous retreats throughout the archdiocese. She has 2 adult children and 2 rescue dogs.

Registration Fee: $90 (box lunch on Saturday included in registration fee)

Please note: This is not an overnight retreat.

For information or to register by phone, contact Associate Registrar, Victoria Rodriguez, at vrodriguez@ost.edu or (210) 341-1366 EXT 240.