If the event is listed as "Sold Out" please contact us for real-time availability and waiting list.
SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE
Our retreat for survivors of suicide loss welcomes anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide. In our time together, we will celebrate the lives of those we have lost to suicide. At the monastery, we will find refuge in a safe place to remember and honor our loved ones and work through our grief. Time is also intentionally set aside for rest, relaxation and reflection. We welcome people of every faith and walk of life to join us.
FR. FRANCIS BENEDICT has been a monk of Valyermo since 1967. He earned a BA in philosophy from Loyola-Marymount University and an MA in Theology from Mt. Angel in Oregon. He was ordained a priest in 1976. He served as the Abbey’s first abbot [1992-2008]. His special areas of ministry include spiritual direction, preaching retreats, and working with 12-step recovery groups and individuals. In addition to many responsibilities at the Abbey, he also serves as the Director of Oblates.
MARY STOVER founded alifeYOUnited in 2016. Her doctoral research focused on preadolescent suicide and servant leadership. Her dissertation, A Description of Preadolescent Suicidal Ideation by Mental Health Professionals in Washington State, showed the need for a consistent, school-based suicide prevention curriculum for students as young as five. Her most recent research is focusing on suicide postvention as prevention and working with survivors of suicide loss. She recently presented her research with the American Association of Suicidology and the World Summit on Suicide Research. She teaches at Gonzaga University, Whitworth University, and the community colleges of Spokane.
St. Andrew's Abbey Retreat Office
Phone: (661) 944-2178
Email: retreats@valyermo.com
Office hours:
8:30am-5:00pm
(Closed for Mass and lunch 11:45am-1:30pm)
