Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents Retreat (ON CAMPUS, Single Occupancy Room and Meals)

Facilitators: Marianne Gouveia and Greg Eckerman
ON CAMPUS at the Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 E. Lincoln Dr. Paradise Valley, AZ

Of all the pains that life can hand us, arguably the most searing is the loss of a child. During this weekend, just as Jesus joined his distraught disciples on the road to Emmaus, we pray for all of our parents and we ask Jesus to join us as we walk the horrendous journey of grieving our loss every day.

EMMAUS Ministry for Grieving Parents is a unique ministry that serves the spiritual needs of grieving parents whose children of any age have died by any cause, no matter how long ago. We focus on the promise of eternal life and the rich teachings of our faith to help these terribly broken parents.

We ask questions such as:
Where is God in my pain?
Where is my child right now?
Why do I feel abandoned by God?
How could God let this happen?

The retreat is offered by grieving parents who have lost children of their own. We provide an opportunity for parents to gather in a sacred, warm, and compassionate space with others who know their pain. Many parents find peace and comfort, at least for a time.

All faiths are welcome. For additional information contact Eric’s Mom Marianne Gouveia at
602.549.8932

Your facilitators:
Marianne Gouveia is a Certified Professional Life Coach (CPC) and a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist who helps parents heal after the loss of a child. In February of 2016, she lost her son Eric at the young age of 27 and understands how difficult and complicated this loss is. Her is passion is helping grievers find their spiritual footing so that they may experience joy and happiness once again. Marianne is the founder of EricsHouse Inc., a non-profit organization specializing in bereavement support for those who have been impacted by suicide or addiction loss. Her husband, Greg Eckerman, is co-founder and Men's Group leader of EricsHouse and a trained Grief Companion.

Fee, incl. meals: $250, Single Room

For questions about double occupancy rooms, contact [email protected]

PLEASE NOTE: When you register for this program, you will be emailed an automated confirmation from [email protected] If it does not arrive in your Inbox shortly after registering, please check your Clutter folder.

The automated confirmation email may contain a "Join Session" link as if this were an online program. Please disregard the link. You will receive on-campus check-in information in a separate email from [email protected] within one week before the program begins.