The loss of a loved one through separation, divorce, or death is one of life’s most traumatic experiences. Many people who have suffered this loss feel left out by their church, uneasy around married friends, unsure of themselves and uncertain about their futures. This program is intended for those suffering the loss of a love relationship through death, divorce or separation who are ready to come to terms with that loss and begin to move forward with their lives.

The structure of this weekend program helps grieving men and women focus on their experience and emerge from the darkness of grief into the light of a new beginning. The program helps deal with the natural grief process and offers an opportunity, through God, for turning the pain of loss into an experience of positive growth. Founded by a Catholic nun and rooted in the Christian tradition, the ministry’s open, inclusive spirit serves those of all faiths.

The program is presented by a team of men and women who have suffered the loss of a loved one themselves and are willing to share their own experience to help others. Team members lead participants through a series of presentations followed by personal private reflection and small group sharing. A sense of community develops in an atmosphere of care and concern that is a hallmark of each Beginning Experience® weekend. The program’s invitational process offers the opportunity to move toward a new beginning in life.

Developed by respected professionals in grief psychology, ministry, education and organizational process, the program is both psychologically and spiritually sound.  To ensure the integrity of the copyrighted program, the Beginning Experience International Ministry Center periodically certifies each peer ministry team worldwide to present the program.

The weekend is the core program and the foundation of the Beginning Experience® ministry.

For information about upcoming Pittsburgh Beginning Experience Weekends, click here