The Way Retreat
The Way is a free, 3-day guided meditation and prayer program for men and women who are survivors of abuse. It is an opportunity for healing and prayer and for survivors to reflect on God’s plan for their lives.
Have you experienced dread, confusion, deep hurt, betrayal or anger when you think of the abuse you have suffered?
Alternatively, maybe you are feeling nothing at all. You have every right to these feelings. They are natural reactions to the trauma you have survived.
You may be asking yourself:
- What do I do with all of this?
- How will confronting my abuse experience affect my life?
- How will I ever recover my trust in people, God, my Church again?
- Does it really matter?
- Do I matter?
The Way is the path to take to find answers to these and many other questions for which your heart, mind, body, and soul have been searching. This is where your healing journey begins. These three days of guided meditations and prayer crafted around the Stations of the Cross will show you the steps Christ took to overcome dread, confusion, deep hurt, betrayal and anger not only for his experience of abuse – which culminated in his death on the cross and new life in the Resurrection – but for your abuse as well. You can choose to walk The Way with him, learn his ways, transform your pain and suffering into a new life, the life God has always wanted for you but that the sins of another has disfigured in countless ways.
The next Trauma Recovery Support Groups for survivors of trauma will begin the week of April 1 -June 11, 2025, and July 7 – September 3, 2025. The goal of the Support Group is to help improve day-to-day functioning and live effectively in the present. This group will provide opportunities for learning new tools to address difficult emotions, internal conflict, and cognitive distortions. Registration is open and the group is limited to 10 participants. If you have recently experienced a life-altering event or are a survivor of traumatic childhood events, this group may be beneficial for you.
Upcoming Events
The Way Women’s Retreat
April 4-6, 2025
Please register by contacting Deborah McDonald at [email protected].
Retreat Leaders:
- Jeannine Marino, the archdiocese’s Secretary of Pastoral Ministry and Social Concerns, holds a Doctorate in Canon Law from Catholic University of America and has worked at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle as the Director of Religious Education. She worked for 10 years at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as staff to the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis and the Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance.
- Deborah A. McDonald, Coordinator, The Way Retreats. Former Assistant Secretary of Pastoral Ministry and Social Concerns, holds a Master of Social Work degree from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work and is an Accredited Certified Social Worker. Debbie has served in parish and archdiocesan ministry since 1978. She has worked as the Executive Director of Catholic Youth Organization Inc./Office of Youth Ministry, parish coordinator of youth ministry, diocesan retreat assistant, and as adjunct faculty for the Center for Ministry Development teaching Pastoral Care.
- Meghan Meros is a licensed clinical mental health professional, she has worked in variety of settings and supported clients from diverse backgrounds with diverse mental health concerns. Her early clinical experience included early intervention addictions treatment and work with a mobile crisis team that collaborated with local police to provide psychological support and stabilization in the community. In her current practice, Meghan works primarily with individuals seeking help for OCD, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. Post-master’s degree training in evidence-based treatments for OCD and trauma have equipped me to provide effective treatment that supports lasting change and healing. In addition to the areas of clinical focus mentioned above, Meghan has a special interest in the intersection of faith and mental health.
FAQ
- Will I have to talk about the details of my abuse in a group setting?
Answer: No. There will be times during the retreat where you have the opportunity to talk to others, but you are not required to share about your abuse. The retreat focuses on opportunities for prayer through scripture and the Passion of Christ, God’s original plan for you, Reconciliation, and Mass. - I am not a victim of clergy sexual abuse can I still come?
Answer: Yes! This retreat is for anyone who has been abused in any way by anyone. You are not taking a spot from someone else who needs it … YOU need it …we are here for you. - Is there a fee for the retreat?
Answer: No. There is no fee or cost associated with this opportunity.
To learn more or to register: please contact Deborah McDonald at [email protected].