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MINISTRY TO SEPARATED AND DIVORCED Advisory Board for Separated and Divorced The Family Life Office initiated an Advisory Board for Separated and Divorced in 2003 in order to better meet their needs. Our Mission Statement reads: We recognize that separated and divorced people, through their vulnerability, suffering, courage, faithfulness and patient endurance bear witness to Christ and His redeeming grace in the world. They are not mere recipients of the Church’s compassion: they are ministers of that compassion to others.
We dedicate ourselves:
Advisory Board members have spoken at some of the priests’ deanery meetings about the needs of separated and divorced and what our office can offer, such as support groups, retreats, information, etc. Annulment presentations have been set up in various parts of the diocese to give people correct information and support. Our number of support groups has expanded. We meet quarterly and keep in touch by email in the interim. Our goal is to have all areas of the diocese represented on the board. The present board members are:
If you are interested in joining, or have questions or suggestions, please contact Digna Montanez at 407-246-4882 or another board member. The psychological pain of loss of a relationship is great and deep-seated. We as a Church want to reach out and support you in your healing. “Relationships and circumstances within your family may have changed, but God’s love for you is ever present and does not come to an end. Grasp the hands of those who reach out to you in loving concern. Extend your own hand to others whom you meet on the road to healing and reconciliation. There is a home for you within our parishes and communities of faith.”
NEW BEGINNINGS - The focus of this ministry is to assist separated & divorced persons to work through the issues of loss and grief within the context of a support group. Facilitators for these groups are former participants who have attended training. Call for locations.
*Some parishes offer other types of support or social groups Click the following links for more information: Click here for more information on annulments. RAINBOWS: Support groups for children
RAINBOWS - This is a peer support group for ages 5-12, to assist children who have suffered a significant loss in their lives, either by death or divorce or other painful transitions. It helps them with the healing process and acceptance of their new family situations. See the website at www.rainbows.org.
SPECTRUM is for adolescents dealing with loss. Both 12-week programs are led by trained facilitators. Check with your parish or call the Family Life Office for further information. SILVER LININGS is a community crisis response program that could be very helpful for children and teens transplanted here by Katrina. There are 3 separate editions developed for ages 5-8, 9-13 and adolescents. Each includes 6 sessions to help them deal with this crisis event. For more information or to order, go to www.rainbows.org and click on Silver Linings. SEPARATED & DIVORCED RETREAT – This is an annual retreat sponsored by the Family Life Office at San Pedro Center in the spring. Minds are opened and hearts are healed as pertinent topics are discussed. Group discussion, presentations by professionals and unique prayer services make this a life changing experience for many a participant. Spanish Language Retreat: TBA. DATE: Annual Separated and Divorced Retreat - at San Pedro Center. SUPPORT GROUPS
MASS FOR SEPARATED AND DIVORCED - This annual diocesan liturgy celebrated in September focuses on welcoming, supporting and healing. “Single again” men and women, children of divorce, family members, remarried couples, clergy, parish staff members and anyone whose ministry touches the issue of divorce are invited. Support resources are available at the reception following the liturgy. DATE: TBA SOLO FLIGHT – Is the quarterly newsletter for separated and divorced people. Call to be placed on the mailing list or download. Click here to download the latest PDF Newsletter. |
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