Pastoral Ministries
FAMILY LIFE SEPARATED AND DIVORCED

The Family Life Office

Many Catholics today are finding themselves divorced after many years of marriage. They may feel alone, abandoned by their “married” friends and angry at everyone who doesn’t seem to understand what they are going through. It is imperative for each person to find the spiritual, emotional and physical support needed in this time of crisis.

The Family Life Office offers connection and support that may be helpful and a step on your road to “regaining your lost self”.

Areas of Support/Training


BEGINNING EXPERIENCE

Beginning Experience Weekend is a Friday evening to Sunday afternoon program for adults grieving the loss of a love relationship through death, divorce or separation, who are ready to come to terms with their loss and begin to move forward with their lives.

The Beginning Experience hopes to create a space where those who have suffered a loss can come together to reevaluate and move on to the future with renewed hope. Visit the web site: www.beginningexperience.org.

This is the core program and the foundation of the Beginning Experience ministry. In some communities, the program is also offered in Spanish.

Has your marriage ended by death, divorce, or separation? Do you wish to move on with your life, but do not know how? Consider attending a meeting on May 18, 2007 in Alfred, ME at Notre Dame Spiritual Center.
Visit our web site: www.benewhampahire.org
or E-Mail us at: beinformation@benewhampshire.org

TALKS ON ANNULMENTS:

ANNULMENTS:

 

Talks on Annulments:

Title: Myths, Misconceptions and Facts about Annulments
Facilitator: Sr. Claire Lapointe, SASV, J.C.L.
Place:

Most Holy Redeemer Parish Center
120 Russell Street
Hadley, MA 01035-0375

Date: Evening in the Fall
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 P.M.
Fee: Free
For Directions: call 1(413) 584-1326

We hope to have two more Annulment presentations in the spring of 2007. If interested please call Sr. Mary @ (413) 452-0614

To receive a registration form: call Sr. Mary @ (413) 452-0614 or E-mail: m.petisce@diospringfield.org

We hope to have two more Annulment presentations in the spring of 2007. If interested please call Sr. Mary @ (413) 452-0614

If you need further information on annulments please call your pastor or Sr. Claire Lapointe: Tribunal Office @ 452-0665.


SEPARATED & DIVORCED SUPPORT GROUPS

1. “Rebuilding” When Your Relationship Ends: A 13- week program for Divorced & Separated individuals. The meetings will concentrate on the feelings; emotions and situations one may need to focus on when divorced. The Goal: is to foster the spiritual and emotional growth of those who separate, divorce or remarry.

Beginning Date: Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 P.M.
Facilitators: Rosemarie Morin & Thomas Florence
Place: St. Peter’s/St. Casmir’s Parish Hall, 24 State Street,
Westfield, MA 01085
Fee: $ 25.00
For directions call: (413)568-5421

2. “Divorced and Beyond”: This 10- week self-help group will enable you to get a perspective on your divorce, cope with the stress and strains associated with divorce, understand some of your emotional responses, and find ways of coping that will lead to growth and eventual restructuring of your life.

Beginning Date: Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 P.M.
Facilitator: Robert Torte & Maria LoPriore
Place: Holy Cross Parish “Gold Room” (Enter by back door) 221 Plumtree Road, Springfield, MA 01118
Fee: $ 20.00 (11 weeks)
For directions call: (413)783-4111

3. “Loving Choices”: An Experience in Growing Relationships - This is a program for Divorced persons who have completed the “Rebuilding” or a prior D&S Support Group.

Come to Enrich all your relationships—starting with yourself. - Learn to communicate more clearly—with yourself and others. - Build—lasting intimate bonds, with help from the author of “Rebuilding.”

Beginning Date: Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Time: 7:30 – 9:00 PM
Place: St. Peter’s/St. Casmir’s Parish Library
34 State Street, Westfield, MA 01085
Fee: $25.00 (13 weeks)
For directions call: 1(413)568-5421

For Registrations on the above programs click below

Rebuilding
Divorced and Beyond
Loving Choices

4. Support Group for Separated & Divorced

Place: Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish, Florence
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 PM Admission to group is by intake interview only.
Call for an appointment @ (413) 584-1753
Contact Person & Facilitator: Georgiana Moroney
Dates: 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month

A website for separated and divorced Catholics can be found by: www.nacsdc.org

You may find articles and other links that may be helpful to you.

Retreat Day for Separated & Divorced

Thinking about having a day to yourself? Then come to a Retreat Day just for you. The Family Life Office is sponsoring a day for all Divorced & Separated persons. “Finding The God in My Life” is a Retreat Day from 9:00 – 2:30 PM given by Jo Ann Bourquard (Spiritual Director) with an understanding of being divorced. The retreat will be given at “Jericho Celebration Center”. The fee is $12.00 for the day including lunch.

Finding The God in My Life

A DOSE OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR DIVORCED CATHOLICS: www.RoseSweet.com


SINGLE PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS

1. Holy Cross, Springfield, MA
153 Eddywood Street
Springfield, MA 01118
An Evening of Sharing – All are welcome
Contact Person: Phyllis @ 783-9280
Meets 3rd Thursday of each Month

CHRISTIAN SINGLES

At the present time there are no “Singles’ Programs” in the diocese. It seems that many persons dropped out and leaders were difficult to find.
The Family Life Office is open to anyone interested in promoting a group. Call Sr. Mary @ 452-0614.

Look on the web: www.catholicsingles.com for more information about singles’ groups.

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