Missionaries of the Sacred

Job loss affects people economically, emotionally and spiritually. Often times after losing a job, people feel embarrassed, choose not to acknowledge how they feel, and try to find employment as soon as possible. Yet these emotions often find a way to catch up and demand some attention.

In these extraordinary times, job loss has become part of many people’s realities. Prompted by the increasing rates of job loss in the area, the MSC community in Aurora, IL offered a small workshop on October 31, 2009 for people who are unemployed or underemployed and their spouses. Lead by Fr. Peter Campbell and a group of laity, the event attracted 19 attendees. The lay team members consisted of individuals who have experienced unemployment, have risen above it with help of others, and want to help others do the same. Attendees had the chance to share their experiences and learn more about resources that can help them in their quest both for good employment and a high quality of life.

A team member shared her insights about the marital relationship during a time of unemployment and part of the day focused on how the loss of a job can trigger reactions to other difficult events in our life. When people are affected traumatically by the loss of their job, past un-dealt-with traumas surface and it is hard to figure out where painful feeling are coming from and why. Both past and present traumas need to be healed. Part of the day included a reflection on values, self-worth, how to let go of losses, and spirituality, as well as information about how, when, and where these traumas can be healed. Team members also paid special attention to how to stay connected with support people and participants had the chance to meet other people facing similar circumstances.

Fr. Peter Campbell is the co-founder of the MSC’s Life’s Healing Journey Retreats. Special thanks to the people who sponsored this program.

Read Fr. Peter's article: The Unemployed - Underemployed - Unhappily Employed (Trapped)