The Diocese’s Department of Pastoral Care is sponsoring a daylong retreat for separated and divorced Catholics Oct. 15 in St. Aloysius Church, Jackson.
The retreat, titled “Gently Moving Forward,” will be held from 9 to 5 p.m., with a dinner from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The day includes presentations by Catholic men and women who have experienced divorce, small group discussions, prayer, reflection and Mass.
“There’s this misconception that if you’re divorced, you’re not welcome in the Church,” said Deanna Sass, director of the diocesan Department of Pastoral Care. “That’s just not true.”
The retreat, which is in its second year, is a way to promote healing, relate shared experiences and talk openly about faith, Sass said. The two men and two women who will be presenting are all divorced Catholics who have had annulments.
Each will discuss one of four themes – trust, forgiveness, grief and moving forward. Sass said healing is a key element of the retreat – not only from personal relationships but with the Church, too.
She stressed that those who are divorced are still in Communion with the Church, and those who have remarried without annulments, though unable to receive the Sacraments, are still “welcomed and wanted in the community.”
“This is a way of saying how much the Church cares for, loves and needs the participation of its divorced or separated Catholics,” she said. “We have so much to learn from them so that we can minister to others.
Cost for the event is $25, which includes lunch, or $45 for lunch and dinner. Those wishing to attend can register online at www.dioceseoftrenton.org/pastoralcare.
For more information, call 609-403-7175. For a list of divorced or separated support groups, visit www.dioceseoftrenton.org/pastoralcare/separated-divorced/.