Thursday, 03 November 2011 10:10

Second ‘After the Gift’ retreat scheduled
Next birthmom retreat set for Feb. 3-5 at SLC
Because of the success of the recent After the Gift retreat for birthmothers, another is being scheduled for February at the Spiritual Life Center in Wichita.
Bonnie Toombs, director of the diocesan Respect Life and Social Justice office, said some of the women who attend the retreat in September had been waiting years for a chance to openly talk about their experience and pain of placing their child for adoption.
“All of those attending left feeling supported by the new connections made with other women, and they left with a renewed sense of support from the diocese,” she said.
Cheryl, a participant in the weekend retreat, said she had prayed for such an event for years so that she could meet other women who had made similar sacrifices.
“We were all able to share our stories of placing our children for adoption – I was amazed that we all had similar feelings deep within,” she said. “This retreat helped me with the grief that has been in my life. It was great to know that there are people, including the diocese, that recognized the pain and sacrifice that a birthmom goes through and are willing to help support us – not only through the grief – but also to help us in spiritual ways.”
Cheryl added that God creates life and that the birthmothers who attended the retreat chose life for their children and adoption as the best choice for their babies.
In addition to sharing their stories, the weekend gave birthmothers an opportunity to work with a professional counselor from Catholic Charities, and find support as they move forward in their journey.
Want to go?
The next After the Gift retreat is scheduled for Feb. 3-5 at the Spiritual Life Center. Those interested may contact Bonnie Toombs at (316) 269-3935 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
“If you are a Birthmom and feel you need to talk with another Birthmom or a counselor before the February weekend please call the above number,” Toombs said. “We are here to help support you.”

Spiritual support group for veterans at SLC beginning Nov. 8
WICHITA – A support group for veterans and their spouses will meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month beginning Nov. 8 at the Spiritual Life Center.
The objective of the group will be to help with the understanding of the readjustment process and the impact of military experience on veterans and their families. Participants will learn coping skills to deal with reintegration and the stresses of living.
The group will be facilitated by Gary Maloney, a licensed clinical psychotherapist with 36 years of experience. He is also a U.S. Army veteran, who served in Vietnam, and a member of the St. Paul Parish Newman Center.
No reservations necessary and there is no cost. For more information please call 316-744-0167 or go to www.slcwichita.org.
Father Ken VanHaverbeke, director of the retreat center, will be spiritual chaplain of the group. The Spiritual Life Retreat Center is located at 7100 E. 45th St. in northeast Wichita.

Fall and winter retreats scheduled at diocese’s Spiritual Life Center
SLC asks only for a free-will donation to stay
WICHITA – The Spiritual Life Center is offering a number of retreats designed for individuals and small groups in the next few months. Here is the schedule:
Nov. 11-13
“Contemplative Life through the eyes of Thomas Merton – ingratiating the spiritual life with contemporary life”
Nov. 25-27
“We believe what? No way!” What do we really believe about the Trinity, the Eucharist, and the church?
Dec. 9-11
“How to pray based on your personality” Find out what personality type you are using several methods, then apply it to different types of prayer.
Dec. 30-Jan. 1
Ring in the new year prayerfully with a New Year’s Retreat: The Parables of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark
Feb. 10-12
“Ignatius Prayer and meditation” A wonderful way of thinking, praying, and recognizing God in everything and moment.
Feb. 17-19
“The Seven Petitions of the Our Father.” The one prayer Jesus Himself taught us. Understand its meaning and implications.
Space is limited
Space for the retreats is limited to 10 to 15 rooms. The only cost of the weekend is $30 for meals.
A free-will offering of $40 per night is suggested, but because the SLC desires to make available the diocesan retreat center to everyone, it is asking for a free will offering to help cover the costs.

Want a reservation?
For reservations contact Kristi (316) 744-0167 or go to www.slcwichita.org for more information or to make a reservation. The Spiritual Life Retreat Center is located at 7100 E. 45 St. N. in Wichita.