A forthcoming retreat in Fargo, titled “Undone: Freedom for the Feminine Heart,” aims to provide women with an opportunity for spiritual healing and personal growth. Scheduled to take place from November 20 to 22 at Sts. Anne & Joachim Catholic Church, the event is organized by the Fargo and Crookston Catholic dioceses and will feature a blend of talks, music, and small-group discussions.
Leading the retreat is Carrie Daunt, who emphasizes the relevance of healing in a woman’s journey of faith. Drawing from the teachings of St. Irenaeus, who noted that the disobedience of Eve was countered by the obedience of Mary, Daunt believes many women continue to grapple with “knots” that prevent them from fully experiencing life in Christ. “When Mary gave her fiat, that was loosed,” she stated, highlighting the transformative power of Mary’s acceptance of God’s plan.
The retreat is designed to help participants understand their identity as women, rooted in the Biblical narratives of Eve and Mary. “We first need to understand who Eve was — who she was meant to be — and then, what happened in The Fall and how we are living contrary to our identity,” Daunt explained. This exploration aims to help women reclaim their dignity and embrace their true selves.
As part of the program, attendees will engage in various activities that foster healing. Daunt noted that the retreat will include personal stories, prayer, journaling, and small-group discussions. This multifaceted approach aims to create a safe environment for women to confront their feelings of shame and isolation. “We don’t want anyone to encounter this,” Daunt remarked, recognizing the reluctance many women feel in sharing their struggles.
Jennie Korsmo, involved in formation and education within the Fargo Diocese, highlighted the importance of the retreat’s focus on healing. She attended a similar event in Panama City, Florida, to assess its suitability for Fargo. Korsmo identified a need for healing among women, particularly in their roles as daughters, sisters, and mothers. “Undone helps undo those knots and hurts and provides a safe place for that encounter with the Lord,” she said, emphasizing the personal nature of each woman’s experience.
The retreat is structured to accommodate working women, offering an option to participate online. Each day has a specific theme, such as “The Consummate Creation” and “The Tangled Truth,” culminating in sessions on “Untying the Knot” and “Living Undone.” This format is designed to facilitate meaningful engagement while allowing flexibility for participants.
Connie Savageau, the event coordinator for Sts. Anne & Joachim parish, shared her personal reflections from attending the Undone conference in Colorado. She described it as a profoundly moving experience that could resonate with a diverse audience, including young adults and mothers. Savageau noted, “The wounds we carry as women — and we all have them — often get ignored or pushed down.” The retreat aims to address these hidden wounds, encouraging women to reflect on their experiences and share them with Mary, who can then guide them towards healing through Christ.
Daunt and her team aspire to create an atmosphere where women feel empowered to confront their grief and find solace in community. “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,” Daunt explained. The retreat is not about forcing vulnerability but rather about gently inviting participants to allow Jesus to meet them in their brokenness.
The cost of the retreat is $175, which includes meals and snacks, while an online-only option is available for $119. Registration is open at the Fargo Diocese website. Participants are also encouraged to prepare by reading “Undone: Freeing Your Feminine Heart from the Knots of Fear and Shame,” a book authored by Daunt.
With its focus on healing, community, and spiritual growth, the “Undone” retreat offers women in Fargo a chance to explore their faith and find renewal in their identities as daughters of God. As Korsmo aptly put it, “If we don’t take a chance, we’ll never know what’s on the other side or how good things can be.”
