If You Are Separated or Divorced, The Church Cares About You
Divorce has touched nearly every Catholic family in America. It is a painful process that affects every facet of human existence, a process in which many are hurt.
Among the people for whom Jesus showed special care were those who suffered from the breakdown of the marriage relationship. Separation and divorce are difficult and usually grievous losses, yet filled with potential for vibrant new growth and responsiveness to grace.
In the 1981 Document Familiaris Consortio (On the Family) Pope John Paul II wrote:
"I earnestly call upon pastors and the whole community of the faithful to help the divorced and with solicitous care to make sure that they do not consider themselves as separated from the Church, for as baptized persons they can and indeed must share in her life."
The Office of Family Life serves families in all ways. Separated and Divorced Catholics and their children are an integral part of who we are as family. Therefore, we urge everyone involved in pastoral ministry to support in a visible and caring way all those in need of healing and recovery from a separation or divorce. Divorce Recovery Ministry is important in our church today.
Joan Vienna,
Director, Office of Family Life
Network Resource Board
Vision: A faith family where Catholics suffering from broken relationships will find a welcome home throughout the Archdiocese.
Mission: To be a Catholic Faith resource of spiritual help for families which are hurting because of broken relationships.
Philosophy: We are a concerned people on a healing journey toward healthy relationships, who are available as sources of strength for others. While we are working hard at getting out "houses in order" we also seek the fulfillment of Jesus' promise: "that my joy may be yours, and your joy may be complete." Out energies are directed toward suppoorting, helping, enabling and empowering each other in that journey. We wish to belong fully to our Faith Family, to be a gift that inspires and a lesson by which others may learn and grow.
Goals: Our goal is become a source of spiritual strength and wisdom; to process the grief; to ease the pain; to give comfort and hope to those recovering from separation, divorce or death of a spoouse.
Peer-to-Peer Support Groups
These groups provide:
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Hope that there is a life after divorce
A place to come and share your story
Help in how a once-married person functions within the Church
Available resources to help in the process of recovery
A place to come and learn from others
A place to further spiritual, emotional, educational and social welfare
of Separated and Divorced Catholics and their families
- Marriage Preparation
- Ministry to the Separated and Divorced
- Ministry to the Widowed
- Natural Family Planning
- About Divorce and Annulments
