New Beginnings

It is a weekend programme designed to help separated, divorced and widowed persons make a new beginnings. It is a Christian movement, open to persons of all faiths, though designed by and for Catholics. Retreat weekends allow participants to share, heal and reflect on their experiences, and start to recover from the pain of loss.

Where did it originate?

Sr Jean DeLuca, CSJ Toronto, founded the movement in 1976, with the blessings of Archbishop Pocock, the support of the sisters of St Joseph and team couples of National Marriage Encounter in Willowdale, Canada. In 1979, Trinidad had its first New Beginnings weekend at Marian Centre Retreat House in Marabella.

The purpose

• To provide an opportunity for healing and closure
• To ponder and accept one's authentic self
• To help persons discover themselves in God's plan
• To deepen through faith-sharing, the trust that builds family.
• To help rebuild self-esteem, self-confidence and self-acceptance
• To learn how to forgive and to feel loved again

New Beginnings stresses confidentiality, so members can feel free to share their feelings in a safe environment.

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New Life

The New Life one day retreat is a programme designed to assist all separated, divorced and widowed Catholics to start a new life. This retreat is held in a caring, non-judgmental environment, The New Life retreat is a one-day version of the New Beginnings weekend program.

How is it conducted?

The programme consists of prayers, questions, reflection, talks and reconciliation. The participants are led through this process by a trained team who has experienced the pain of loss.

The purpose

The purpose of this one-day retreat is to cater to the needs of those who in some way have experienced the loss of a love one, and are unable to come away for an entire weekend. However it does not take the place of a New Beginnings weekend.

The New Life programme provides

• Information to understand the emotional aspect of loss
• Guidance and resource information from peers
• Exercises to rebuild self-esteem and self-worth
• Support from others who may be also experiencing some form of loss
• To help start the process of rebuilding and recovery.