This is a weekend retreat celebrating birth moms and hosted by Catholic Diocese of Wichita, Kansas. The retreat affirms and supports the sacrificial love of birthmothers in their gift of life through adoption by offering hope and healing in Christ and the support of other birth moms. There is a cost to attend the retreat of $100 per person; scholarships are available. Visit this website for more information.

Here's what some birth moms said about the retreat...

"An active member of a parish, a mother, grandmother, and widow. I am also a birth mother who placed my firstborn child for adoption. One never knows a person's life story, whether that individual is sitting next to you at Mass, standing in front of you at the grocer’s checkout counter, or coaching your daughter’s softball team. Being a birth mother is not something that one shouts from the rooftop but it is a very important part of one's life story. This past spring I attended "After the Gift," a retreat for birth mothers who have placed their babies for adoption. I, along with other birth mothers, was facilitated by a counselor, other past participants, as well as a priest. I explored my feelings, good or bad, acknowledged my experiences, and gave thanks for what I had done. I explored and discovered where life had taken me and what God has in store for me. I was treated like a queen at times with special gifts, quiet times, a birthday cake and art projects. A special Mass/Service on Sunday morning was celebrated to honor all of us attending birth mothers. This retreat healed old wounds and helped me to begin to establish a God-centered direction in my life." - Debra

"Something wonderful happens when birthmothers get together. What once was secret, hidden and buried deep within becomes a common thread that binds them together. During the “After the Gift” retreats, this instant connection begins on Friday night and continues to grow throughout the weekend. In this safe environment, birthmothers are free to express all of their emotions and offer support to each other. After the Gift is a jewel in the Diocese of Wichita … offered as a gift … to birthmothers of all ages." - Carolyn