By Mary Morrell | Correspondent

“The Catholic Church wants her divorced or separated sons and daughters to know that they are valuable to the life of our Church, and that the Church is there for them, in the difficult and painful moment when a marriage ends.”

Those were the words of Deanna Sass, director of the diocesan Pastoral Care Department, in explaining the mission behind the “There is Life after Divorce: A Day of Hope and Healing” retreat, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 20 in St. David the King Parish, Princeton Junction.

“This retreat day was initiated four years ago in the Department of Pastoral Care,” said Sass, “as a way of reaching out to our separated or divorced brothers and sisters, as a means of connecting them with the life of the Church, and to support them on their journey.”

This year’s event will feature keynote speaker, Chris Easterly, author of “Falling Forward: A Man’s Memoir of Divorce.” Reconciliation and Mass will be celebrated.

“Our presenter, Chris Easterly, coming to us all the way from Los Angeles where he is a professional screenwriter, brings a great deal of insight into the experience of divorce, not only from the  male perspective, but from a deep human emotional level,” said Sass.

“Having read his book and having heard him speak at a national conference for divorced Catholics, I can say that he tells a compelling talk, which all who have experienced divorce or separation will likely resonate with.” she added.

The $40 retreat fee includes hot lunch and an autographed copy of Easterly’s book.

To print a retreat flyer for mail-in registration, or for on-line registration, go to dioceseoftrenton.org/separated-and-divorced.

Mail completed form and $40 check made payable to “Diocese of Trenton” to: Diocese of Trenton, Pastoral Care Dept., 701 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrence, NJ 08648. For more information, contact Sass at 609-403-7157.

St. David the King Parish is located at 1 New Village Road, Princeton Junction.