A Care-Givers Retreat is an opportunity for prayer, reflection and discussion for individuals who have primary or frequent responsibility for the care of sick, disabled, aging or dying family members, neighbors or friends.
We know family care-givers often feel overwhelmed, confused, and unprepared for their role as care-givers. Many feel trapped by conflicting responsibilities, unexpected and sometimes unreasonable demands. Care-giving can be physically and emotionally exhausting, and almost all care-givers experience stress. Over time, many feel resentful, discouraged and angry.
In addition, care-giving can be a spiritual challenge. Even a person of faith who prays regularly and is active in their church may be surprised by some of the feelings they have about their role as a care-giver. Some may feel embarrassed or guilty because they question God's providence or doubt their own willingness to accept the burden of care-giving.
Even faith-filled individuals may wonder Why is God doing this to me? or begin thinking I don't deserve this.... I don't have the strength to do this....
Although many people of faith are reluctant to admit it, these feelings are common even among care-givers who are strong believers.
A Care-Givers Retreat helps participants examine the spiritual,emotional and personal challenges of full-time care-giving. It helps participants appreciate the spiritual meaning of their role as care-givers and helps them find strength, encouragement and support in the assurances of their faith.
Although the purpose of a Care-Givers Retreat is always same, the content of each retreat is different from previous retreats. We invite long-term care-givers to attend a retreat regularly.
Care-Givers Retreats are free and open to the public. The retreat includes a complementary lunch.
• • •
Current Schedule of Caregivers Retreats
Saturday, November 11, 2017
Registration Deadline: Nov. 1.
9:00am–12:30pm
Covenant Medical Center, Waterloo. (Use chapel entrance)
Retreats may be cancelled if a sufficient number of people do not register in advance.
Saturday, June 2, 2018
Registration Deadline: May 30.
9:00am–12:30pm
Covenant Medical Center, Waterloo. (Use chapel entrance)
Retreats may be cancelled if a sufficient number of people do not register in advance.
• • •
Retreat Outline
Opening Prayer
Covenant Medical Center Chapel
Spiritual Reflection on the Role of Care-Giving
Rev. Mark Pell
Registered Chaplain, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare
Discussion and Sharing
Community Resources for Care-Givers
Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging
Light Lunch
If you need someone to provide care for your loved one while you attend the retreat, contact the Pastoral Associate in your parish
or call 319-234-9912.
• • •
Audience
This opportunity is particularly appropriate for adults and young adults in thresholds 3,4,5,and 6 of faith formation.
> Check here to learn more about the thresholds of faith development.
• • •
Registration
• By phone: call 319-234-9912
• By email: dbq208s3@dbqarch.org
• Online: Click here to register online
• • •
More Information for Care-Givers
• Care-Giver's Self Evaluation
• Care-Giver's Spiritual Stress Evaluation
• Resources for Care-Givers