Support group for separated, divorced aims to heal wounds
July 29, 2019 at 12:37 p.m.
By Jennifer Mauro | Associate Editor
A healing program for those who are separated or divorced is being offered in St. Veronica Parish, Howell, beginning Sept. 8.
Over the course of 12 weeks, parishioner Maria Rodrigues, a diocesan-trained facilitator and North American Conference of Separated and Divorced Catholics regent board member, will lead participants through the “The Catholic’s Divorce Survival Guide” program. Discussion topics will include shock, anger, peace, forgiveness, family issues, money, trust, dating, annulments and life beyond divorce.
“This program is good for people who need healing but don’t know what they’re looking for,” Rodrigues said. “This program tries to reinforce that God is the one who heals but that we need to do our part, too.”
Deacon Gino Esposito, who oversees the ministry, said the program is important in that it addresses many questions those who are divorced or separated may have about the Catholic Church.
“There’s a misconception that once you’re divorced, you’re X’ed from the Church,” Deacon Esposito said. “That’s not true.”
Rodrigues agreed, saying though open to anyone regardless of faith, the program focuses on Catholic teachings to answer questions such as receiving Holy Communion or the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It also gets people to focus on healing themselves emotionally and spiritually.
“This program helps people lead a happier life without relying on another person,” she said.
During the five years she’s been leading the series of separated and divorced program sessions, she said she’s seen participants who’ve left the Church come back and others go on to be part of other parish ministries.
“I enjoy seeing how people can be transformed after that first night of coming in with a lot of pain and thirsting for something,” she said, adding that many participants come back to the healing group when a new session begins. “When you go the first time, your heart and mind might not be open to hear certain things. I recommend coming two or three times, even.”
The Healing Hearts Support Group will run 12 consecutive Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. in the church. Registration and a small fee will be required by Sept. 1, though Rodrigues said late registration exceptions can be made.
For more information, email [email protected] or contact Rodrigues at 732-363-5698.
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By Jennifer Mauro | Associate Editor
A healing program for those who are separated or divorced is being offered in St. Veronica Parish, Howell, beginning Sept. 8.
Over the course of 12 weeks, parishioner Maria Rodrigues, a diocesan-trained facilitator and North American Conference of Separated and Divorced Catholics regent board member, will lead participants through the “The Catholic’s Divorce Survival Guide” program. Discussion topics will include shock, anger, peace, forgiveness, family issues, money, trust, dating, annulments and life beyond divorce.
“This program is good for people who need healing but don’t know what they’re looking for,” Rodrigues said. “This program tries to reinforce that God is the one who heals but that we need to do our part, too.”
Deacon Gino Esposito, who oversees the ministry, said the program is important in that it addresses many questions those who are divorced or separated may have about the Catholic Church.
“There’s a misconception that once you’re divorced, you’re X’ed from the Church,” Deacon Esposito said. “That’s not true.”
Rodrigues agreed, saying though open to anyone regardless of faith, the program focuses on Catholic teachings to answer questions such as receiving Holy Communion or the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It also gets people to focus on healing themselves emotionally and spiritually.
“This program helps people lead a happier life without relying on another person,” she said.
During the five years she’s been leading the series of separated and divorced program sessions, she said she’s seen participants who’ve left the Church come back and others go on to be part of other parish ministries.
“I enjoy seeing how people can be transformed after that first night of coming in with a lot of pain and thirsting for something,” she said, adding that many participants come back to the healing group when a new session begins. “When you go the first time, your heart and mind might not be open to hear certain things. I recommend coming two or three times, even.”
The Healing Hearts Support Group will run 12 consecutive Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. in the church. Registration and a small fee will be required by Sept. 1, though Rodrigues said late registration exceptions can be made.
For more information, email [email protected] or contact Rodrigues at 732-363-5698.
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