Healing the Wounds of Abuse: Grief to Grace Oregon Retreat

The Grief to Grace Oregon Team ministers to those wounded by physical, emotional, sexual, ritual abuse or neglect. The team, trained by founder Dr. Theresa Burke author of Rachel’s Vineyard and Duty to Heal, was formed by Fr. Peter O’Brien, pastor of St. Edward Church in Lebanon, Oregon. After attending his own 5-day retreat in Kelowna, British Columbia, Fr. Peter was inspired to form an Oregon team to serve those affected by abuse and has been kindly encouraged by the Archdiocese of Portland in the endeavor. To date, participants have come to Oregon from twelve U.S. states and four countries.

The purpose of the Grief to Grace retreat experience is to break free from the shroud of secrecy and self-destructive behaviors surrounding the trauma of abuse and restore the God-given dignity and identity of the human person as a child of God. By entering in the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ through scripture readings, meditations, and interactive exercises, individuals encounter Jesus as the Wounded Healer. Walking with Jesus through their suffering is an excruciating process. By the power of the Holy Spirit, the response of the team and participants personify Christ resulting in a safe and supportive environment to do the difficult work of confronting the darkest places of wounding. When the wound is exposed to the Light, healing begins.

The Grief to Grace Oregon team consists of eight volunteers with a growing number of supporters and benefactors and is governed by a volunteer, nonprofit board of directors. As secrets continue to be exposed and buried memories surface, it is the mission of Grief to Grace Oregon to provide an atmosphere conducive to healing and reclaiming human dignity. To learn more about the Grief to Grace Oregon ministry and retreat or to financially support the work done through the nonprofit go to www.g2gor.org. Please pray for the continued healing of those who have or who will be attending a healing retreat.

“It is a difficult, painful, heart wrenching experience that I wouldn’t trade in for the world. I have over the course of this retreat felt angry, numb, …irritated, upset, scared, …hurt, heavy, ashamed, …healing, happy, freed, protected and loved. Every person who has been abused should have this experience.” – G2G Oregon Participant

Next retreat: September 9-13, 2020