Center for Democracy and Citizenship - Healing of Memories workshop for veterans, October 25 to 27, 2010
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Military memories |
“I feel that I have made progress toward healing. It has been a long journey and this was my first experience in a group focusing on the hurts of war. It helped to be with others who share experiences associated with the effects of being in the military and being in war even though our individual experiences differed.” participant, October 2009 Healing of Memories workshop |
A community response
The Warrior to Citizen Campaign, a grassroots effort to support Minnesota’s returning veterans, is coordinating a workshop for veterans and their family members that provides a safe space and confidentiality where their stories can be told and acknowledged. Those who care for veterans, service members and their families (pastors, spiritual directors) are also invited to participate. Through community donations, full scholarships are available to all participating veterans.
Workshop format and goals
The three-day residential workshop will be held at the Christ the King Retreat Center in Buffalo, Minn. There are places for 20 veterans. Car pools may be available from the Twin Cities. Download brochure
Participation provides a safe experiential and interactive way to overcome feelings of anger, loss, grief and guilt and can be one step on the journey to psychological, emotional and spiritual healing and wholeness. It contributes not only to personal healing, but also to the healing of interpersonal relationships. Veterans who participated in the Healing of Memories workshops held in October 2009 and May 2010 continue to meet with each other.
Monday: The first step
The workshop begins with a welcome dinner at 6 p.m. The opening session introduces the workshop concepts and provides an opportunity for participants to meet with each other.
Tuesday: Storytelling and discussions continue
Individuals have time to share their personal experiences in small, facilitated groups with an emphasis on safety, respect and confidentiality. There is also time for quiet personal reflection and integration. Tuesday night is a time to relax together.
Wednesday: The journey continues
Storytelling and discussions continue and the group now shares experiences, commons themes and lessons learned. The first step has been taken and it is now time to look to the future. Workshop ends at 2 p.m.
Facilitator
In 1990, Father Michael Lapsley, an Anglican Priest, lost both hands and an eye as a result of a letter bomb sent to his home during his involvement in the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa. Accompanied by prayers, love and support from around the world, he began a journey from victim to survivor to victor. He worked with South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission and later founded the Institute for the Healing of Memories. He works internationally in many areas of conflict and with others who have experienced violence of many kinds. Father Lapsley will be joined by the U.S. based facilitators trained by the Institute for the Healing of Memories, Cape Town, South Africa.
Sponsor a veteran or contribute toward a scholarship
Workshop expenses will be covered through donations and participant registration fees. The cost for one veteran to participate is $375 (includes two nights lodging and meals). Contributions are tax-deductible. Download a contribution form
Space is limited, so register early
Register by sending your name, whether you are a veteran, service member, family member or other (please specify), mailing address, telephone number and email address, along with a check for $25, to the address below. Make checks payable to Healing of Memories.
Healing of Memories
c/o Loyola Spirituality Center
389 Oxford St.
St. Paul, MN 55104
More information
For more information, contact Margaret Fell (612-518-6808) or Sheila Laughton at Loyola Spirituality Center (651-641-0008, ext. 13 or sheila@loyolaspiritualitycenter.org).
Collaborating organizations
- Coming Home Collaborative, affiliated with the Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
- Episcopal Church of St. James on the Parkway
- Warrior to Citizen Campaign, organized by the Center for Democracy and Citizenship
- Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans
- Welcome Home program at Loyola Spirituality Center
- University of Minnesota Student Veterans Association
