Sarah Donnelly B.A., M.Div. Retreats - Workshops - Grief Support Groups - Spiritual Direction - Funerals

Contents Introduction About Sarah Upcoming Events Retreats Workshops Grief Support Spiritual Direction Funerals Past Events Fees Feedback Contact Information

Understanding Forgiveness: The Importance of Forgiveness in our Lives Do you want to be happy for a moment? Then seek revenge. Do you want to be happy forever? Then grant forgiveness. - Henri Lacordaire Forgiveness is essential to living a harmonious life, but is one of the most challenging invitations we have received as Christians. This retreat explores this topic, and gives participants the opportunity to reflect on how we both give and receive true forgiveness. Retreat topics include: - The Importance of Forgiveness in our Lives - Unmasking False Notions of Forgiveness - Forgiveness: A Human and Spiritual Adventure - Assessing the Offence - Who Needs Forgiveness? - An Experience of True Forgiveness - The Twelve Steps of True Forgiveness This retreat can be adjusted to fit any time limit. A brief overview of this topic can be given in an evening or as a half day retreat. However, most effective for participants is the opportunity for them to enter into their own experience and carefully walk through these twelve steps. In order to do this, a weekend retreat is recommended: Friday evening to Sunday lunch. A copy of this book is included in the registration fee for each participant. John Monbourquette has written an accessible and helpful guide for all of us who struggle in understanding what forgiveness actually is, and how we can embrace this virtue in our daily lives. Resource used to develop this retreat: How to Forgive: A Step-by-Step Guide, by John Monbourquette. Novalis. 2000. Feedback from past participants: I most appreciated your delivery of the retreat in a calm and supportive manner, and your sensitivity and intuitiveness. Keeping to the agenda with regard to our time was also appreciated. The choice of a guidebook was excellent. Margaret Shea, Campbell River. Understanding Forgiveness Retreat, Bethlehem Retreat Centre, Nanaimo. November 2009 I most appreciated the safe environment, the small group and the time allotted for reflection and meditation. Really enjoyed your way of giving the retreat and your caring, gentle spirit. Judy Skates. Understanding Forgiveness Retreat, Bethlehem Retreat Centre, Nanaimo. November 2009 I appreciated the times of sharing – hearing other people’s experiences and stories. I also appreciated the one-on-one time with you, Sarah, during this retreat. I was able to clarify in my mind the issue and person in my life that needs forgiving, and making sigfificant progress in that journey. The last visualization in the retreat was particularly powerful. This has been a powerful and transforming experience for me. God has spoken with great encouragement and love! Thank you, Sarah. Mary Holland, Sooke. Understanding Forgiveness Retreat, Bethlehem Retreat Centre, Nanaimo. November 2009 I most appreciated the gentleness of Sarah’s presentations and her empathy as we dealt with very sensitive and painful issues. I also appreciated the compassion of the participants. Claudette Adamek, Qualicum Beach. Understanding Forgiveness Retreat, Bethlehem Retreat Centre, Nanaimo. November 2009