Re-Entry Weekend: Welcomed Home to a Lasting Bond

Emily M. – missionary in Uruguay 2023-2025

During my orientation time I learned that Con-solatio offers a Re-entry weekend after a volunteer comes back from his/her time serving in another country.  At that point I thought “what a logical thing to offer; I am sure it is so helpful.”  I was not prepared for the reality of the gift of this weekend. Upon returning to the United States I struggled with loneliness and the question of how to continue living this call of radical self-gift that I had learned during my time in Uruguay.

I was blessed at my Re-Entry weekend to meet two other volunteers who had just returned from their experiences, as well as three young women who were preparing to leave within the next months. I had only briefly met one of these young women before, yet the bond between all six of us was immediate. We had all felt the call from the Lord to live a radical life of presence – giving of ourselves to others without counting the cost. We who were returning desired to give as much as we could to those who were preparing to leave – giving advice of what we had learned, counsels on what to do when things were difficult, and sharing the beautiful ways we had experienced the Lord at work.  

The Re-Entry weekend gave me the gift of teaching me that all I had learned in Uruguay can be lived here in the United States – that this calling to give fully of myself to those around me continues in my life here, and I am not alone: I have joined the Con-solatio family and that bond is lasting.

Laura G. – missionary in Brazil, 2024-2025

The short time I spent with Con-solatio for a Re-Entry weekend was just what my heart needed. In talks and small group meetings we discussed common struggles returning missionaries have. During these discussions I was given tangible advice and steps to take whilst transitioning back to ‘normal life.’ We were fortunate enough to have a day of silence and contemplation which is something I forgot the importance of since being home. This day gave me clarity and peace on the path that I’m currently on. The best aspect of this weekend were the people I was able to connect and reconnect with. Some of the ways we were able to spend time together was in liturgy of the hours, cooking parties, and family style dinners. With what I gained from this Re-entry Weekend, I feel confident and excited for the continuation of my mission back home.

Maya A. – missionary in Romania, 2023-2025

What I knew was going to be a bittersweet Re-entry Weekend as I said goodbye to mission proper, was truly such a humbling and jubilant time spent with what I call my “extended family.” I was confronted with the same experience at my Re-entry Weekend as I had been right before I left for Romania, and all the feelings of excitement and nervousness came flooding back, as if I was being sent out again. I am fortunate enough to be able to continue to live this mission in Texas and continue to spread our ministry of presence in my own homeland. There was a lively spirit flowing through the weekend together, as our 3 new missionaries prepared for departure, and as 3 of us returned home. 

My highlight of the weekend was being able to bring some of the Romanian culture I had learned from my 20 months away, which included some traditional clothing, dessert, and a couple of dances. We spent the night laughing and tripping over each others feet until we couldn’t do it any longer; we shared a traditional apple cake and stories of our missions. I got to the end of the weekend and was sad to leave my new friends after just 72 hours. The beauty of the Catholic fraternity! I returned home with a refreshed spirit and a renewed desire to share in Christ’s passion and devotion to His children, especially now here in Houston!