Fatima launches ‘You Are Not Alone’ program for suicide loss survivors on May 17

Criterion staff report

Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House in Indianapolis is launching a new program for suicide loss survivors called “You Are Not Alone: Hope and Healing for Survivors of Suicide Loss.” It includes a series of three free, online sessions from 4-6 p.m. on May 17, 31 and June 14, and a scheduled in-person retreat on July 11 and 12.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in Indiana for those ages 15-34. The online series addresses the emotional, spiritual and healing journey after suicide loss.

The sessions, which will be offered online via the video conference software, Zoom, are as follows:

• Part 1, May 17: “The Emotional Journey of Suicide Loss Survivors,” presented by suicide loss survivor Christine Turo-Shields, LCSW and EMDR Certified Therapist. Includes panel discussion.
• Part 2, May 31: “The Spiritual Journey After Suicide Loss,” presented by Father James Farrell, pastor of St. Pius X Parish and administrator of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, both in Indianapolis.
• Part 3, June 14: “The Healing Journey Forward with Suicide Loss,” presented by Providence Sister Connie Kramer, suicide loss survivor, spiritual director, retreat director and grief specialist, and Lisa Thibault, suicide loss survivor.

The panel for the Part 1 discussion includes the above presenters and Judy Proctor, suicide loss survivor and founder of the Hope and Healing ministry in Indianapolis.

There is no cost to participate, but registration is required, and each session is limited to 100 participants. To register, go to www.archindy.org/fatima.

A “You Are Not Alone” two-day retreat is scheduled at Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House, 5353 E. 56th St., in Indianapolis, from 1-8 p.m. on July 11 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on July 12.

The speakers and panel participants from the online series will present the retreat, which provides a forum for faith believers—and Catholics in particular—to come together to grieve, share experiences and learn how God helps them on their journey of survival after a suicide tragedy.

The cost is $25 for individuals and $50 for married couples. It includes the program, meals, snacks and guest room use during the program. Optional overnight accommodations are available for an additional cost.

To register, go to www.archindy.org/fatima.

For questions or to register for the online series and/or the retreat, contact Jennifer Burger at 317-545-7681 or jburger@archindy.org. †