Fargo Hosts “Undone” Retreat for Women Seeking Healing and Empowerment

In Fargo, a transformative retreat titled “Undone: Freedom for the Feminine Heart” will take place from November 20 to 22 at Sts. Anne & Joachim Catholic Church. Organized by the Fargo and Crookston Catholic dioceses, this event aims to empower women by addressing personal struggles and fostering spiritual growth.

The retreat will be led by Carrie Daunt, a key figure in the John Paul II Healing Center, who draws inspiration from St. Irenaeus’ assertion that Mary’s obedience untied the “knot of Eve’s disobedience.” Daunt emphasizes that many women today still grapple with these emotional knots, inhibiting their ability to fully embrace their identity in Christ. “When Mary gave her fiat, it was a release of our brokenness,” she stated, highlighting the importance of Mary’s role as a model for women seeking healing and affirmation.

The “Undone” retreat is designed to assist participants in reclaiming their dignity through a blend of personal storytelling, prayer, and small-group discussions. According to Daunt, the retreat encourages women to explore their identities, understand their pasts, and recognize the impact of societal expectations on their lives. “We need to understand who Eve was meant to be and how her fall affects us today,” she explained.

Daunt, who authored the book “Undone,” noted that many women harbor deep-seated feelings of shame and isolation. She aims to create a safe environment where attendees can confront these emotions without pressure to share. “It’s about allowing Jesus to meet them in their struggles,” she said, as she believes that collective grief can lead to healing.

The retreat’s format includes sessions focused on themes such as “The Consummate Creation” and “Untying the Knot,” allowing participants various avenues for engagement. Jennie Korsmo, who helped bring the retreat to Fargo, attended a similar event in Panama City, Florida. She emphasized the retreat’s focus on healing and the importance of fostering a connection to the Divine Healer. “So many wounds manifest in our identities as daughters, sisters, and mothers,” Korsmo remarked, indicating that the retreat provides a unique opportunity for women to address these issues in a supportive environment.

Each woman’s journey at the retreat will be unique, reflecting their individual experiences. Korsmo pointed out that societal norms often discourage vulnerability, leading many women to suppress their emotions. “In the United States, we are taught to be self-sufficient and avoid showing our struggles,” she explained. “Yet, we are created for relationship, reflecting God’s own nature.”

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in various activities, including journaling and private prayer time. Connie Savageau, an event coordinator, highlighted the retreat’s appeal to women at any stage in their faith journey. She believes that the retreat can help attendees confront and process wounds they may have overlooked or ignored for years. “Undone helps us look honestly at our heart’s wounds,” Savageau noted.

The retreat is structured to accommodate working women, with evening sessions on Thursday and Friday and a full day on Saturday. There is also an online-only option for those unable to attend in person. The total cost for the in-person experience is $175, which includes meals and snacks, while the online-only fee is $119.

Daunt expressed enthusiasm for welcoming women of all ages, including nursing mothers, as she believes everyone deserves the opportunity for healing. The retreat promises to offer a nurturing space where participants can discover the profound love of God.

For those interested in attending, registration and additional information can be found at the Fargo Diocese website. The retreat not only aims to address individual struggles but also encourages a deeper connection with God, inviting women to experience the fullness of life in Christ.