Emmaus Ministry
for Grieving Parents

“Do not fear; I am with you; do not be anxious; I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” –Isaiah 41: 10

The Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents offers spiritual retreats specifically designed for grieving parents whose children of any age (from conception to old age) have died by any cause (including miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion, suicide, overdose, murder, illness, accident, etc.), no matter how long ago.

Losing a child is horrific, devastating, and unthinkable. However, through the help of other grieving parents and our Spiritual Leaders, you may find the comfort, peace, and hope you need by concentrating on the spirituality of your grieving process.

Consider giving yourself the gift of getting away from everyday life to focus on where God is in your life right now–and where your child is. In your pain, which do you feel more… the presence or the absence of God? Where is your child right now? Will you ever see him/her again? Come to an Emmaus Ministry retreat for the opportunity to focus on these questions and your spiritual journey.

“I cannot tell you how many times I have stood in front of the Pieta here at the Shrine and other places—more than a thousand—and said, ‘Only you truly understand what this feels like.’ It was the grace of God and the Holy Spirit that the Friars started this ministry. My prayers are with you. I feel as though all of those children honored today were totally at peace and with us in spirit.”

The ministry offers Half-Hour, One-Hour, One-Day and Weekend Virtual and In-Person Spiritual Retreats, as well as special events. All are welcome, no matter how close you do or do not feel to God. No matter what your religion. Currently, the Emmaus Ministry is available throughout the Archdiocese of Boston and in 14 other Catholic dioceses in 16 states, as well as many parishes in CT, RI, AR, and AZ..

For all upcoming Emmaus Ministry retreats, see www.emfgp.org. Please check back periodically, as new programs are often added. Or call Diane Monaghan, Paul’s Mother, at 800-919-9332 for more information.

Reactions from parents who have participated in Emmaus retreats are available on our website, as are news articles and videos about the Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents.

Incredible, just incredible…I am exhausted and teary, but so grateful to have participated in this weekend… I can’t put everything into words right now, but all I can say is that this entire ministry is Spirit-filled and Spirit-inspired…. many lives were touched…beginning with the three of us…”

For more information, or to explore the possibility of bringing this ministry to your area, call Diane at 800-919-9332 or email her at [email protected].