If you are a birthmother, regardless of whether your child was surrendered recently through an open adoption, or years ago through a totally closed adoption, you are invited to a special retreat:

The After the Gift Retreat
September 23-25, 2011
at the Spiritual Life Center in Wichita KS
Cost: $90 (Limited scholarships are available)

The decision to create an adoption plan for their child is not easy. As Kelsey Gates explains in the video below, it was one of the most difficult decisions of her life. After surrendering her child, Kelsey began looking for retreats that would help her find healing. Not finding what she was looking for, the After the Gift Retreat emerged.

The After the Gift Retreat is intended for women who may never have had a chance to talk about their experience or properly grieve the loss of their child. It is open to women of all faiths, but it is a Catholic-centered retreat. Contact the Respect Life Social Justice office at the Wichita Diocese to register, or download a registration form at cdowk.org. Click on “Ministries & Offices” in the menu bar to go to the Respect Life & Social Justice office.