Event Details

About the Event

Grief comes in waves. One moment you’re steady, the next you’re brought to your knees by a memory, a song, a scent. The deeper the love, the deeper the grief—and you deserve a safe, sacred space to honor both.

This November weekend, we invite you to step away from the demands of daily life and into three days designed just for you. No platitudes. No pressure. Simply an invitation to be exactly where you are on your unique journey through loss.

A Space to Be Held

Picture yourself surrounded by others who understand. In the gentle quiet of San Damiano, you’ll discover you’re not walking this path alone. Our loving team of facilitators: Margaret, Mary Ruth, and Bruce – each bring their own gifts, perspectives, and deep compassion to create a space where healing can unfold naturally.

Margaret’s quiet, loving presence invites you to come as you are and discover what healing you’re ready to open yourself to. Mary Ruth, a seasoned therapist with profound spiritual wisdom, guides with both expertise and intuition, welcoming all with open arms. Bruce’s authentic warmth and complete acceptance creates room for you to be who you’re called to be in this moment—and to consider the next gentle step forward.

What Awaits You

Throughout the weekend, you’ll be invited (never forced) to participate in experiences designed to nurture your healing:

• Small group connections with others who truly understand
• Creative expression through art, music, sound, and movement
• Quiet reflection and opportunities to remember your loved one
• Canine-assisted care offering comfort without words
• Spiritual direction welcoming all faith backgrounds and spiritual paths
• Gentle guidance for understanding grief and navigating triggers
• Self-care practices to carry forward on your journey

This is not about “getting over” your loss. It’s about learning to live forward while carrying love with you. It’s about discovering pathways through the pain and awakening to hope – in your own time, in your own way.

Retreat Details

When: Friday November 21st – Sunday November 23rd

• Check-in: Friday, 2:00–5:00 pm
• Opening program: 5:30 pm
• Dinner: 7:00 pm
• Closing: Sunday lunch at 12:00 pm, departure by 1:00 pm

Investment in Your Healing:

• $325 Commuter (no overnight stay)
• $375 Private room
• $355 Shared room (per person)

All meals, materials, and programming included.

An Invitation

For four years, we’ve witnessed incredible moments of healing in this retreat—in participants and in ourselves. We’ve learned that grief asks only to be witnessed, honored, and held with love.

You are loved, now and always.

Will you accept our invitation to join us on this journey?

Picture of labyrinth courtesy of Watson Studios (https://www.bwatsonstudios.com/)

About the Presenters:

Mary Ruth Cross

Mary Ruth is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 27 years in the mental health field. She is the owner and CEO of Treehouse Family Counseling Services in San Ramon Mary Ruth has developed a treatment team model where the whole family is supported. Play Therapy is the focus of the practice where the healing power of play is harnessed to bring about healing for children, teens, couples, adults and families. Mary Ruth is a graduate of Cal. State East Bay and has been on faculty at John F. Kennedy University and University of Phoenix teaching in the counselor education programs. Mary Ruth is a Registered Play Therapist, Supervisor, and a sought-after workshop leader in the field of play therapy, grief and loss, and trauma as well as other related mental health issues. Mary Ruth is a member in good standing with the Association for Play Therapy, California Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, National Board Certified Counselors and the Association for Death Education and Dying. Mary Ruth co-facilitates a grief support group at St. Charles Borromeo in Livermore, CA. She is also co-author of a children’s book on trauma called “Snug and Rug and the ‘No Good Very Bad Thing’: A story of coping, calming & courage for children”. I have been married for over 41 years to my high school sweetheart. Together, we have raised three wonderful children and many beloved dogs. In 1984, we made the significant move from Texas to California, a decision that marked the beginning of many new adventures. My career has been varied and dynamic. At one point, I decided to venture out on my own and started my own company, where I enjoyed thirteen years of successful business. Over the years, I have continually reinvented myself, exploring new opportunities and launching other businesses.

Bruce Parrish

Bruce, has been a long-time member and is now a co-facilitator for the St. Charles Grief Support Group, where I shared my own grief journey with learned wisdom and grace. In June 2021, I embraced retirement and began enjoying “retired life” by working in the vibrant wine industry. Throughout all the ebbs and flows of life, grief has been a constant companion. This grief has taught me the profound lesson of compassion for others, shaping the person I am today.

Margaret Riley

Margaret 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.