Q. What is the Beginning Experience?
A. It is a weekend experience for anyone dealing with grief, whether their relationship loss is through death or through divorce or separation. Their brochure states, "A weekend away for a lifetime of change."
Q. Is it a Catholic experience?
A. Although the Beginning Experience was founded by a Catholic nun, it is ecumenical and open to participants of all faiths.

Q. How long does it last?
A. It starts on Friday evening and lasts through Sunday afternoon.

Q. Where are the weekend programs held?
A. They are held throughout the United States and in many other countries.

Q. Who can attend?
A. Since the Beginning Experience is designed to help people bring closure to their past, it is important that participants are beyond their initial emotions of anger, self pity, and depression. They also need to want to move on with their lives. After you've submitted your application to attend a Beginning Experience, someone will help you in determining whether or not you are ready for the program.

Q. What happens on the Beginning Experience?
A. Participants will listen to a series of presentations, do private reflection, and share in small groups. It is an opportunity to do some reevaluation of your life, experience healing, learn how to trust again, and to move forward in your life with hope and renewed energy.

Q. What is the cost of the Beginning Experience?
A. The actual cost (food and lodging) of the program depends on the location.

Since it is a nonprofit organization, the costs are kept as low as the organizers can negotiate with the facility being used.

Q. Can children attend the Beginning Experience?
A. The Beginning Experience organization has developed special programs for children and youth.

The Children's Beginning Experience uses craft activities, films, stories, talks and music to help children realize they aren't alone in how they feel about the changes in their lives.

The Young People's Beginning Experience Weekend is for teenagers and young adults ages 12-21. The program uses presentations, reflection time, personal journal writing, and small group sharing to help young people deal with their loss of parent and family.
Q. Is there support after the weekend program?
A. Yes, there are support programs available for those who have attended a Beginning Experience weekend. There are also support programs for children and teens.

Q. What does the symbol of the Beginning Experience represent?
A. The cross is a reference to the program's Christian roots. The anchor represents hope. The rising sun is a sign of the beginning of a new day.

Q. When did the Beginning Experience begin?
A. In Fort Worth, Texas in 1974 by Sister Josephine Stewart, a Roman Catholic nun.

Q. Where can I get more information about the Beginning Experience?
A. You can call 866-610-8877 or go to the Beginning Experience website.