Frequently Asked Questions

Who does Beginning Experience aim to support?

It is designed to help widowed, divorced and separated people. Those who attend should be at a point where they want a new beginning in their lives and are ready to make that desire a reality.

Do I have to attend the whole weekend?

Our main program is the Beginning Experience weekend. It lasts from 6 p.m. on Friday to about 5 p.m. on Sunday. It is necessary to attend the whole weekend for it to be effective.

I am currently in counselling. Can I attend your program?

Yes, you may attend a BE program with consent of your counsellor.

What we require from participants that are in counselling at the time of the weekend program is a written statement from their counsellor just to state that attending the weekend would be appropriate for the person.

Do I need to be Catholic?

No, you don't have to be Catholic. While Beginning Experience was started by Sister Josephine, a Catholic nun, back in 1974 the program is ecumenical and open to all faiths. Our team members and particpants are from several denominations.

How much will the weekend cost?

The cost is $220. This covers 2 nights accommodation and all meals. We can offer payment plans if necessary.

My partner and I never married.  Can I still attend your weekend?

Beginning Experience is open to anyone who is suffering from the loss of a significant partner.

I am in a new relationship but feel I need to deal with issues from my previous marriage. 
Can I attend the weekend even though I am currently married?

You will be able to attend the weekend to deal with the loss of your former partner.

Is Beginning Experience a Social Club?

No, it is not. Those people who have attended the weekend may decide to join our auxiliary which offers social activities.

Does it matter if this is not my first marriage?

No, but you would need to decide which relationship you wished to confront before attending the weekend

I am a 55 year old man.  Do men attend the weekends?

Yes and we have several men on Team as well.

Does it matter how long it has been since I have been separated?

No.  Some people have been separated, divorced or widowed for many years before attending a weekend.

How many people work for the organization?

At the moment there are approximately twenty-five team members and a similar number who are members in our Auxiliary.