Catholic Charities Maine Parish Social Ministry recognizes the pain and trauma of a lost marriage and extends ministry to the divorced through its "Divorce & Beyond" support groups.
If you are divorced or in the process of divorcing, our "Divorce & Beyond" support groups provide a safe, comfortable and confidential atmosphere for sharing your feelings with others who are also experiencing the pain of divorce.
The groups meet for 8 consecutive weeks and are closed after the second week. They are facilitated by trained volunteers, many of whom have experienced divorce themselves. Topics include Anger, Stress, Guilt, Blame, Self-Image, Hope and Recovery, and how one's faith can be tested in the process. “Divorce & Beyond” groups are usually offered in the spring and fall at various parish locations. Pre-Registration is required. To ensure confidentiality and an emotionally-safe environment, no walk-ins, please. Fee for the program is $25.00. Groups run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Fall 2010 Groups TBA
For information about upcoming groups, locations, and to register, please call Parish Social Ministry at (207) 871-7464 or 1-(800)CARE-002 (Maine only), both at ext. 2672. You can also e-mail us at psm@ccmaine.org
If you are a divorced Catholic, do you know that:
- Divorced Catholics are full members of the Catholic Church and can participate fully in the life of the Church
- Divorced unmarried Catholics may receive Holy Communion and the Sacrament of Reconciliation
- Children are not considered illegitimate if a divorced Catholic is granted an annulment
- Before a divorced Catholic can remarry in the Church, an annulment needs to be granted through the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal on the previous marriage
Divorce & the Rest of the Family
Divorce affects more than just the couples ending their marriage. Children in the family are affected. In-laws on both sides are experiencing the loss, too, as are neighbors and friends.
To be supportive to someone going through the grief and loss related to divorce, please let them talk about how they feel without judging or condemning. Show you care about them no matter what. Expect that they will need to grieve in order to move beyond the pain caused by the divorce. Support and comfort the children as they adjust to the changes, and
welcome all members of the family at public and social gatherings. We need to remember that there are no “ex” parents, only “ex” spouses. Please pray for the entire family.
Additional Resources
CONNECTED CATHOLICS OF MAINE
Connected Catholics of Maine is a group of single Catholics, who are widowed, separated and divorced or never married. The purpose of this group is to offer a variety of programs, experiences and opportunities that enrich the members socially, educationally and spiritually.
The group has a General Meeting once a month at Holy Martyr’s in Falmouth. Other social activities are held in the Greater Portland area. A newsletter, listing all events, is published bi-monthly.
In a society that does not readily recognize the feelings of isolation experiences by some single people, Connected Catholics can assist these individuals to venture forth, to try new things and have a feeling of community. Single Catholics feel safe attending activities with people of the same faith and values.
For more information call 856-6431 or e-mail concath@yahoo.com.
