Meeting in person & by Zoom · Dayton, Minnesota

For every parent who is walking
the road no parent wants to be on.

Seasons of Hope is a free, Catholic faith-centered support group for parents whose children are living in Heaven. All are welcome, no matter your denomination or beliefs. You don't have to explain the ache here. We already understand it.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
Join us this Wednesday Read our story

Why We Began

Founded by a mother who couldn't find this anywhere else.

Seasons of Hope began in 2026, after our founder, Lisa Torbenson, searched for a free, faith-based support group for Catholic bereaved parents near her home — and found none. So she built one. It remains the only free support group of its kind in the area.

Her son Neil is living in Heaven, and his memory is at the heart of everything this ministry does: the Wednesday circle, the journals we write in together, and the quiet conviction that grief and faith are not opposites. They can sit in the same room.

Every session follows a structured journaling curriculum designed specifically for bereaved parents — not a generic grief group, but one built around the particular weight of losing a child, and the particular hope of the Catholic faith.

"Neil's favorite verse was Philippians 4:13. It was true for him, and it has become true for every parent who walks through our door."

What To Expect

A Wednesday evening, held gently.

Weekly, in person or by Zoom

We meet every Wednesday evening. Can't make it in person? Join us by Zoom — you're just as welcome from wherever you are. No sign-up required to try your first session.

Guided journaling

Each session works through the Seasons of Hope curriculum together — structured prompts that make space for memory, faith, and the parts of grief that don't have words yet.

Rooted in faith

This is a Catholic ministry, grounded in Scripture and the belief that our children are living in Heaven. All bereaved parents are welcome here, no matter your denomination or beliefs, wherever you are in your journey.

Gatherings & Retreats

Beyond the Wednesday circle.

OCT
16–17

Our Hearts Are Home Conference

A two-day gathering for bereaved Catholic parents — teaching, community, and worship centered on hope after loss.

OCT
24

Day of Hope Parent Retreat

"The Good Friday of Our Lives" — Minnesota's first Catholic bereaved parent retreat, a full day set aside for prayer, reflection, and rest.

EVERY
WEEK

Wednesday Evening Session

Our weekly gathering continues year-round, in person or by Zoom. Check the current Seasons of Hope calendar for this week's location, journal, and topic.

Update this section with your live calendar dates, or link out to a downloadable PDF calendar.

Neil's Heavenly
Spice Co.

In Loving Memory

Neil's Blend

A memorial spice, created in Neil's honor — a small, tangible way to bring his memory to your table. "A Very Advanced Palate," flavored by faith.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." — Philippians 4:13

Ask about ordering

You Are Welcome Here

You don't have to carry this alone.

Whether you're ready for your first Wednesday or just have a question, we'd love to hear from you. There's no wrong time to reach out.

Email Seasons of Hope with Gmail
Where We Meet Wednesday evenings — check our current calendar for this week's location.
Based at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Dayton, MN
Join by Zoom Can't attend in person? Email us for this week's Zoom link.
Parish www.sjbdayton.org
Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis