Event Details
Healing Retreat for Those Who Are Grieving
In the quiet embrace of our sacred grounds, you’ll find what your heart has been seeking—understanding, connection, and gentle guidance for moving forward while honoring your loved one’s memory.
Cancellation policy
Overnight or Multi-day/weekend retreats: $50 fee. Day Retreat: $20. Fees may be applied to future retreats. The fees may be waived in event of extenuating circumstances. Contact Kateri at 925-837-9141 x315.
About the Event
A Gentle Space for Your Grief Journey
When grief becomes the unwelcome companion on your path, finding sanctuary matters. Join us at San Damiano Retreat on May 17, 2025, for a day dedicated entirely to your healing journey.
In the quiet embrace of our sacred grounds, you’ll find what your heart has been seeking—understanding, connection, and gentle guidance for moving forward while honoring your loved one’s memory.
Moving through grief – one step at a time.
This intimate day retreat (limited to just 20 participants) offers a protected space where your grief is acknowledged and your healing journey respected. Under the compassionate guidance of our experienced facilitators:
Margaret Riley, a Spiritual Director with extensive experience in grief support, addiction recovery, and Franciscan spirituality
Claire La Scola, a retired psychotherapist and nurse with deep background in hospice care and grief support facilitation
Together, they’ll create an environment where you can:
- Remember your loved one while finding your path forward
- Focus on your personal healing journey
- Express yourself in gentle, nurturing ways
- Understand grief triggers and develop coping strategies
- Discover hope amidst loss
Your day includes thoughtfully designed group activities, personal reflection time, meditation, shared meals, and meaningful rituals—all within a community that understands that grief is both universal and deeply personal.
Sometimes the bravest step is simply showing up for yourself. We’ll be waiting with open hearts when you do.
Saturday, May 17, 2025 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM San Damiano Retreat
Registration limited. Reserve your place in this healing circle today.
About the Presenter(s)
Margaret Riley
Margaret Riley has been a Spiritual Director since 2008, when she became certified via the Mercy Center in Burlingame, CA. Her Spiritual roots are Christian in the Roman Catholic Church, but in her practice as a Spiritual Director and retreat presenter, she enjoys companioning spiritual seekers from any tradition (or no tradition).
Margaret obtained a Master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry from the Franciscan School of Theology, Berkeley, CA. (FST/GTU) in 2004. She has joyfully lived in the Bay Area for over 31 years and has been a full-time Minister in the Diocese of Oakland since 1994. Margaret’s study, understanding and experience of spirituality is born of a great variety of sources, including but not limited to the Ignatian tradition, Social Justice work, Addiction Recovery and 12-Step spirituality, Codependency recovery, Divorced/Widowed healing, Grief and Loss, Incarceration/Justice work, Mindfulness/Meditation, and Franciscan Spirituality.
Claire is a retired registered nurse and psychotherapist. She was involved in developing a hospice program at the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) in Santa Clara County and was a nurse case manager for HIV/AIDS clients for the AIDS Project at the VNA. Claire is currently a co-facilitator with Mary Ruth Cross of the Grief Support Group at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Livermore. Additionally, she is a Benedictine Oblate of the World Community for Christian Meditation and leads Christian Meditation Groups at St. Charles.
