BARRINGTON—Men and women military veterans are invited to reflect on their military experiences and attend a spiritual Coming Home Retreat on Feb. 22 at the Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House, here.
This free Christian one-day retreat was designed as a new ministry to help military men and women come to spiritual healing and reconciliation with God, themselves and with one another.
It is focused especially, but not limited to, those recently returning off active duty. It is presented by the Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House and Mays-lake Ministries.
Spearheading the retreat and recruiting efforts are coordinators and veterans Dave Harman and Em Bataille, both parish members of SS. Peter and Paul Parish in Cary. Harman served in the Air Force from 1960-68. Bataille is a retired veteran Army major general who served 1970-2004.
Both men have attended a number of regular retreats at the Bellarmine retreat house over the years and their involvement with the Coming Home retreat was initiated by Father Michael Sparough, SJ, who is part of the Bellarmine Ministry Team.
“The Coming Home Retreat was sparked in part because of the support of our board member Gene Croisant, who was nudged by the Holy Spirit,” said Father Sparough.
“Gene heard a powerful message at a prayer breakfast by Father Matt Foley, pastor of St. James Church in Arlington Heights. Father Foley is a former military chaplain with four tours of duty in Afghanistan.
He told the crowd that he was still hurting and just beginning to process all that he experienced during his time of military service.”
“This retreat is so medicinal and healing,” said Harman. “We conducted our first retreat this past November and it was such a success with 25 participants. It’s a gathering with other veterans who ‘get it’ and are able to reflect on their military service and transition back to civilian life.”
The day’s activities include an opening prayer, small group sharing, lunch and dinner, and the healing of memories. Its focus is about spirituality, not religion, as veterans of all faiths are welcome. No two vets share the same story; but still have a common bond that is never forgotten.
“The experience is very powerful in these beautiful and peaceful surroundings,” Bataille added. “The retreat is a safe journey to heal from issues and fears and to regain trust.”
Much has been written and reported about the trauma veterans experience such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
“However,” Bataille said, “others also experience something much harder to diagnose, but equally devastating - Moral Injury, when the core values of a person are compromised who in time of war have acted contrary to their basic moral code.”
Both Harman and Bataille noted that the retreat process is initially emotionally exhausting. “But the burdens are lifted in this safe environment to help regain peace,” said Bataille.
The Come Home Retreat is grounded in the spirituality of St. Ignatius Loyola, the wounded Warrior Saint. St. Ignatius experienced a profound spiritual conversion while recuperating from his wounds. He became an expert at helping people find meaning and direction in their lives. He called his program of healing and renewal The Spiritual Exercises.
A second single day retreat for family members of the military (spouses, parents and adults, age 18 and older) will also take place on Sunday, June 7, 2015.
For more information about the Coming Home Retreat contact Dave Harman at 847-639-2035 or Em Bataille at 847-220-2971. For registration visit www.ComingHomeRetreats.org.