Come to the Well

The Immaculata Center (1408 Carmel Drive, Lafayette 70501) will host this day of hope and restoration for those. suffering the loss of a loved one.

Today’s fast paced society provides little time, space or support for those who have suffered loss.  “Come to the Well” is a day of hope for those suffering the loss of a loved one, including loss by suicide, accidental death, infertility, miscarriage, illness, stillbirth, SIDS, adoption placement, abortion, and any other life losses. Those who work in bereavement ministries or reproductive grief are also invited.

The day is filled with prayer utilizing meditation “Living Scripture”, music, journaling, and personal sharing to honor and acknowledge the reality of shared loss.  “Come to the Well” offers opportunities for retreatants to find strength in the sharing to move through the losses of life with hope for a renewed vision.

The Retreat Director will be Karol Meynard, Director of the Office of Pro Life Apostolate for the Diocese of Lafayette and the Guest Speakers are:   

•    Father Kendal Faulk, Pastor will talk about Redemptive Suffering.  Prior to entering the Priesthood, after being ordained a permanent deacon, his wife Jackie passed away suddenly and without warning. After three months of discernment, he retired from the education field as a successful high school band director and entered the seminary in preparation for his new vocation to the priesthood.  It was a struggle at times being so far from home, with a son and grandchildren in his life.

•    Camille Pavy Claibourne, RN, PhD is a nationally recognized expert in nursing and management, a healthcare consultant and a former board president of Hospice of Acadiana.  She is an adjunct professor at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for the MBA and nursing graduate programs. She holds a PhD in human and organization development, with emphasis on thanatology, the study of death and dying, and a master’s in organizational behavior, from the Fielding Graduate University. She earned a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Camille is the author of “Dying in God’s Hands” and currently conducting additional research on Elder Care Giving and speaks on Positive Aging and Elder Life.

•    Tina Hebert will share her story of hope and trust in God's divine providence that carried her through the death of her son, Cortland. She has served in various pro-life ministries for the past fifteen years, and has facilitated programs, and served on religious and secular boards that promote the sanctity of family life. Tina's love of dance and the arts has allowed her to minister to many children; first through her own studio, and later through teaching sacred dance to children in the Lafayette Diocese. She and her family have established the Cortland Fund for Children and she is currently illustrating the children's book she authored, entitled "Believe in Kids".

•    Geraldine Ortego is an adjunct professor at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for the Education Department and is an Acadiana Writing Project Teacher Consultant.  She holds a Master’s of Education in Administration and Supervision from UL, a BS degree in Business Education, a minor in English  Education, and Education Specialist Degree.   Geraldine has served on numerous professional activities and committees including the development, and presentation of reading courses for the State Department of Education.  Geraldine lost her husband unexpectedly two years ago and will be guiding the group through various journaling exercises.

Guest musicians for the day will include Lisa Roy Sheppert, Lisa Shannon, Suzanne Babineaux, and Benny Littell. 

“Living Scripture” will be enacted by Jeff Aycock and Sharon O’Neill.  

The team of volunteers and facilitators include professional counselors and those who have suffered various life losses.

Pre-registration is required.  Cost is $25 per person.  RSVP with payment by July 10, 2015.  Checks are to be made payable to:  DOL-Office of Pro-Life Apostolate.  Address:  1408 Carmel Dr. – Lafayette, LA 70501 ◦

Please contact Trista Littell at 337-261-5607 for more information.