Women in Fargo are invited to participate in a transformative retreat designed to foster healing and spiritual growth. The “Undone: Freedom for the Feminine Heart” conference, scheduled for November 20-22, 2023, will take place at Sts. Anne & Joachim Catholic Church. This event aims to help women reclaim their dignity in Christ and confront the emotional burdens they carry.
Carrie Daunt, one of the retreat leaders, draws inspiration from the writings of St. Irenaeus, who noted that “the knot of Eve’s disobedience was loosed by the obedience of Mary.” Daunt emphasizes that the struggles women face today often stem from this historical narrative. “In all of the places of our brokenness, when Mary gave her fiat, that was loosed,” Daunt explained as she anticipates the upcoming retreat. The retreat will explore how Mary’s acceptance of God’s will serves as a model for women today.
The “Undone” retreat will feature a team of women dedicated to sharing their personal experiences and insights through a combination of prayer, journaling, and small-group discussions. “We’ve built a lot of walls and facades,” Daunt noted, explaining that her own journey inspired her to write the book titled “Undone.” The retreat aims to create a safe space for women to delve into their emotional struggles and find healing.
Participants will have the opportunity to engage in deep reflection on their identities and the impact of past experiences. Daunt remarked, “Women were made for relationship and to have these deep encounters,” highlighting the importance of communal support in addressing grief and shame. “When there’s this collective chance to bring it to Jesus, we realize we don’t carry it alone.”
The retreat is structured to accommodate working women, featuring both in-person and online attendance options. Each day of the retreat will focus on a different theme, including “The Consummate Creation” and “Untying the Knot.” This flexibility allows participants to engage in a way that suits their individual needs.
Jennie Korsmo, who oversees formation and education for the Fargo Diocese, attended a similar retreat in Panama City, Florida, to ensure the format would resonate with Fargo’s community. “Healing needs to be emphasized among our people,” she stated, noting that many women struggle with issues related to their identities as daughters, sisters, and mothers. “Undone helps undo those knots and hurts and provides a safe place for that encounter with the Lord,” Korsmo added.
Connie Savageau, event coordinator for Sts. Anne & Joachim parish, shared her personal experience from a recent retreat in Arvada, Colorado. “It was such a beautiful and moving event; it brings tears to my eyes to think about it,” she said, encouraging women of all ages to participate, especially young adults and parents.
The retreat will also feature various activities, allowing participants to journal, pray, and spend quiet time with God. “We carry wounds that often get ignored or pushed down,” Savageau explained. “Undone helps us look honestly at our heart’s wounds and share them with Mary, who can help us give it to her son.”
The cost of attending the retreat is $175, which includes snacks and a meal on Saturday. An online-only option is available for $119. Interested individuals can register at the Fargo Diocese website.
For those seeking spiritual renewal and a deeper understanding of their faith, the “Undone” retreat promises to be a profound experience. With its focus on healing and community, it offers a unique opportunity for women to explore the fullness of life in Christ.
