The upcoming “Undone: Freedom for the Feminine Heart” retreat in Fargo aims to empower women through healing and self-discovery. Scheduled for November 20-22, 2023, the event will be hosted at Sts. Anne & Joachim Catholic Church, featuring a range of activities designed to help participants reconnect with their identities in Christ.
Carrie Daunt, a leading figure in the retreat, draws inspiration from the teachings of St. Irenaeus, who emphasized the importance of Mary’s obedience in overcoming the disobedience of Eve. “The knots that keep us from experiencing our full potential still affect us today,” Daunt explained. She believes that the retreat serves as a response to these challenges, encouraging women to reclaim their dignity and embrace their true selves.
Daunt highlights the significance of Mary’s acceptance of God’s call. Her “yes” not only brought Jesus into the world but also serves as a model for women today. “Mary shows us tangibly what it means to be a woman,” she said. By exploring the biblical narrative of Eve and understanding the impact of The Fall, participants can begin to untangle the complexities of their identities.
The retreat will feature a diverse team of women who will share personal stories, interspersed with prayer, journaling, and small-group discussions. Daunt emphasized the importance of creating a safe environment where women can explore their feelings and experiences without pressure to share. She noted, “The stories offered by presenters become a beautiful invitation for women to feel safe enough to go to some of these deep places.”
Many participants carry deep-seated grief and shame, often feeling isolated in their struggles. Daunt believes that acknowledging these feelings in a communal setting allows women to encounter Jesus and find healing. “All of us carry places of deep grief, and when there’s this collective chance to bring it to Jesus, we realize we don’t carry it alone,” she said.
Jennie Korsmo, who works with formation and education for the Fargo Diocese, attended a similar retreat in Panama City, Florida, to evaluate its relevance for Fargo. She and her colleague Brad Gray felt a strong spiritual call to emphasize healing within their community. Korsmo noted that many wounds manifest in women’s relationships as daughters, sisters, and mothers. “Undone helps undo those knots and provides a safe place for that encounter with the Lord,” she explained.
The retreat is designed to cater to women from various backgrounds and stages in their faith journeys. Participants can engage in small group discussions or choose to spend time in personal reflection and prayer. “The wounds we carry often get ignored or pushed down,” Korsmo said. “Undone helps us look honestly at our heart’s wounds and share them with Mary.”
Connie Savageau, the event coordinator for Sts. Anne & Joachim, attended an Undone conference in Arvada, Colorado. She found the experience profoundly moving and believes it would benefit women of all ages, including young adults and parents. “It brings tears to my eyes to think about it,” she said, emphasizing the importance of creating space for women to reflect on their experiences.
The retreat will feature a flexible schedule catering to working women, including an online-only option. Each day will focus on a different theme, starting with “The Consummate Creation” and culminating in sessions titled “Untying the Knot” and “Living Undone.” While the retreat is rooted in Catholic theology, particularly the teachings of Pope John Paul II on the body, the healing aspects are framed from a psychological perspective, making it relevant for any woman seeking healing.
Daunt welcomes women of all ages, even nursing mothers, to attend. She encourages potential participants to heed the call they feel to join the retreat, suggesting that such nudges are often the Holy Spirit prompting them toward healing. “If we don’t take a chance, we’ll never know what’s on the other side or how good things can be,” Korsmo added.
The event is priced at $175 for in-person attendance, which includes snacks and a meal on Saturday, while the online-only option costs $119. Registration can be completed through the Fargo Diocese website, and participants are encouraged to prepare by reading the book “Undone: Freeing Your Feminine Heart from the Knots of Fear and Shame.”
For more information on the retreat, visit the John Paul II Healing Center website.
