Roadmap Home 2023: Women’s Grief Retreat

Originally Published on OST.EDU

Date and time

October 27 · 6pm – October 28 · 4pm CDT

Location

Oblate School of Theology 285 Oblate Drive San Antonio, TX 78216

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before event Eventbrite’s fee is nonrefundable.

About this event

• 22 hours
• Mobile eTicket

IN-PERSON EVENT | MARIAN MISSION HALL

Friday, October 27, 2023 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Central Time

Saturday, October 28, 2023 | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Central Time

2023 Women’s Grief Retreat

Yvonne describes her grief journey as becoming acutely aware that having lost her father when she was 10 years old, her life had taken a distinct path of always searching for understanding and meaning. Not only did she not understand why this had happened to her, but she struggled with what role she played in the loss. She would apply that scrutiny to every loss she experienced through the years. When she got divorced after almost 13 years of marriage and 2 children, her sense of hopelessness reached an all-time high. She had no understanding and there was no purpose or meaning she could grasp. Finally, when her mother died in 2008, she finally stopped beating herself up and turned to God for the answers she sought. She realized the grief and sorrow she felt was never fully acknowledged or processed. She needed to take time to open herself to the pain and sadness and seek out God’s meaning and purpose for her. She was finally able to do that through prayer, meditation, self-care, and her work with others going through hard times.

In Tina’s life, her realization came in being present to the illness and death of her husband in 2012. She actually believed up to that time she had no experience in grief, or so she thought. Since then, in many forms of discovery, she learned untended grief had been a constant companion throughout her life, framing every relationship she had. She came to know cumulative, untended grief was a hindrance in growing her relationships, not just with God, but with others as well.

Life is not linear, apart from the number associated with aging. It is messy and often complicated. Loss is inevitable, be it jobs, homes, careers, health, relationships, and yes, death. This is only the most obvious list of losses in life. There are so many others, distinct to every person. Grief is part of life. How we experience and tend it, helps us become whole again, as God created us to be.

The physiological, spiritual, symptoms and signs of grief will be explored to see how they connect to our inner compass to help us as we journey through our lives. Join us in being present to ourselves and others as we discover the Roadmap Home created uniquely for each one of us. This oasis to quench your thirst and fatigue is beckoning you.

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.

Yvonne P. Garcia is a Licensed Professional Counselor. In 2022, she retired from the San Antonio Fire Department after 24 years as a firefighter/paramedic. Yvonne has a small private practice and works at Warrior’s Heart, a residential treatment center for veterans and first responders dealing with addiction and mental health issues. 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 effects. 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. 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: $100 (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.