A journey for grieving couples who are Splintered with Sorrow and long to find the Hope of Christ.
Join us at the Splintered with Sorrow Grieving Couples Retreat, where families impacted by the loss of a child from pregnancy through adulthood can find solace. The retreat is for couples who have experienced the loss of a child through miscarriage, stillbirth, and after birth as an infant, child, adolescent, or adult. The retreat is hosted by Red Bird Ministries in partnership with the Diocese of St. Augustine, FL. The opening speaker, Bishop Erik Pohlmeier of the Diocese of St. Augustine, will speak on the topic of suffering, and founders Ryan and Kelly Breaux will share their testimony and facilitate the weekend. Over the weekend, the team of Red Bird Ministries will lead couples in age-specific loss groups on a journey toward healing. Families will have access to spiritual direction, counseling sessions, small group conversations, and private couple time. This healing retreat offers a valuable opportunity for support and healing that you won't want to miss.
Splintered with Sorrow, A Grieving Couples’s Retreat
Red Bird Ministries, in partnership with The Diocese of St. Augustine, FL, is offering an overnight weekend retreat at the Marywood Retreat Center for grieving couples of all ages, stages, and circumstances from pregnancy through adulthood.
When: November 22-24, 2024
Retreat check-in begins on Friday 4:00 pm EST
The retreat ends on Sunday at 12:00 pm EST.
Where:
Marywood Retreat Center 235 Marywood Drive St. Johns, FL 32259
Registration Instructions:
Please make sure to download, print, and completely fill out the registration form provided below.
Make check payable to The Diocese of St. Augustine, FL in the amount of $725 (couple) and $800 (dietary restrictions).
Mark in the memo field Splintered with Sorrow Retreat.
Mail check to The Diocese of St. Augustine, FL 11625 Old St. Augustine Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32258, Attention: The Office of Human Life & Dignity.
“My soul is deprived of peace, I have forgotten what happiness is; I tell myself my future is lost, all that I hoped for from the Lord…
But I will call this to mind, as my reason to have hope: The favors of the Lord are not exhausted, his mercies are not spent; They are renewed each morning, so great is his faithfulness.
My portion is the Lord, says my soul; therefore will I hope in him. Good is the Lord to one who waits for him, to the soul that seeks him; It is good to hope in silence for the saving help of the Lord”
Lamentations 3:17-26
Meet the Team
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Kelly and Ryan Breaux
FOUNDERS
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Regina and Herb Quiñones
ADULT LOSS LEADER
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Michelle and James McCauley
ADULT LOSS LEADER
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Terri and Neal Ferslew
PREGNANCY LOSS
Retreat Support Services Included:
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Small Groups
The retreatants will be grouped with their peers based on the age of their child at the time of the loss.
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Counseling
Retreatants have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a professional grief counselor.
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Spiritual Direction
Retreatants can meet one-on-one with a certified spiritual director to discuss how grief has impacted their relationship with God.
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Group Leader
Each participant will be paired with a peer leader of the same age of loss.
Retreat Center Information & Prices
Upon entry into each villa building, you will encounter a comfortable gathering room equipped with multiple seating options, a dining table, and a library. Just beyond the gathering room is an up-to-date communal kitchenette furnished with a coffee maker, microwave, and refrigerator. The retreat center has 4 private rooms with one double bed and 22 shared rooms with two beds. Shared rooms can be converted into private rooms and will include two beds but without a roommate.
Couple Registration – $725
All rooms include 2 Queen beds with a private bath.
No refunds will be given within 30 days of the retreat. Deposits are non-refundable. To apply for a scholarship, please click here.
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Registration Dates
Registration opens on August 1, 2024, and closes on November 15, 2024.
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Refunds
No refunds will be given within 30 days of the retreat. Refunds will only be given via store credit to be used for future retreats or materials.
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Scholarships
Financial sponsorships are provided but not guaranteed. Retreatants that have not made the retreat will be given sponsorships first. Apply for a scholarship here.
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Travel Policy
If you are traveling from another state, please arrange your transportation to and from the retreat center.
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Travel Information
The closest airport to the retreat center is the Jacksonville International Airport.
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T-Shrits
T-Shirts are sold separately for $25. Please add the t-shirt to your cart and check out with your registration.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit”
Psalm 34:18
Financial scholarships are provided but not guaranteed. Those who have not attended a RBM retreat will be given priority for scholarships.
Join us in Prayer!
Sign up to take a holy hour during our retreat by clicking the button below. Prayer can be done in your adoration chapel in front of the Blessed Sacrament, at your home church parish, or in your prayer corner at home.
Red Bird Friends,
Our community is currently facing a challenge. Due to financial difficulties, many families are unable to afford the cost of registration for our retreats. As a result, some may not be able to receive the necessary support they desperately need.
We kindly request that you prayerfully consider extending a helping hand by sponsoring one of our families. Your financial assistance would make a significant difference in their lives and enable them to find the healing and community they desperately need. We appreciate your generosity and compassion. Thank you for your support.
