Divorce is not an event but a process, a process that most did not realize they would need to undergo. The pain of divorce is far more reaching than just with the couple. Divorce affects the entire community surrounding the divorcing couple. This process is a time of grief and great pain. It is a form of death. For within it, one is experiencing the loss of a dream which he or she had envisioned would last till death. The individual must face that he or she is single again and will most likely have to inherit many responsibilities that would have been shared with his or her spouse. It is important that an individual seeks assistance and help at this time of grief. Self-care is vital. The children, one's job, or extended family will all suffer more if one fails to maintain his or her health.
El divorcio no es un evento sino un proceso. Es un proceso que la mayoría no se dio cuenta de que tendrían que someterse. El dolor de un divorcio es más amplio que sólo con la pareja. El divorcio afecta a toda la comunidad que rodea la pareja que se divorcia. Este proceso es un momento de dolor y un gran dolor. Es una forma de muerte. Para dentro de ella, uno está experimentando la pérdida de un sueño que él o ella había previsto duraría hasta la muerte. El individuo tiene que encontrar la realidad que está sola de nuevo y lo más probable tiene que heredar muchas responsabilidades que se han compartido con su esposo o esposa. Es importante que una persona busca ayuda durante este momento de dolor. El autocuidado es vital. Los niños, el trabajo, o la familia extendida van a sufrir más si uno no puede mantener su salud.
What support does the Church offer to divorced persons?
The Church understands the pain of those caught in this situation. When divorce is the only possible recourse, the Church offers her support to those involved and encourages them to remain close to the Lord through frequent reception of the Sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist. (United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, p. 287)
How does the Church view divorce?The Church's view on divorce remains faithful to the understanding that God, who authored marriage, created this special union to be one of permanence. As we see in the scripture, Jesus taught about this permanence. (Matthew 19:3-6). With this belief, the Church does not recognize a civil divorce because the State cannot dissolve what cannot be dissolved. (Catechism of the Catholic Church #2382-2386)
For more questions regarding the Church's stance on divorce, see http://foryourmarriage.org/catholic-marriage/church-teachings/divorce/
Divorce, Separated, Widowed Ministries in the Diocese of Orange:
Beginning Experience®
A weekend retreat designed for those have experienced the loss of a loved one through separation, divorce or death. This weekend is designed to be a time of closure on the past and renewed hope for the future.
Their vision:A hurting people, healed, transformed, and free again to love themselves, others, and God.
Their mission:
The purpose of the Beginning Experience ministry is to facilitate the grief resolution process for adults and children who have suffered a loss through death, divorce or separation, thereby enabling them to again love themselves, others and God.
We accomplish the purpose by offering quality, copyrighted, grief resolution programs presented by trained peer ministers. These programs are designed to move grieving people through a transformational process to a new beginning in their lives.
We believe that through resolving the grief of a significant loss:
- Individuals participate in the death and resurrection of Christ as he lives in the world today;
- that those working through this experience can effectively walk with others for whom the experience is new and hard;
- and that the invitation to recover offers an opportunity for life transformation, and for freeing individuals to love self, others and God in new and deeper ways.
For more information contact:
Larry Barone- 714-227-9550
Kim Dodson- 714-336-3221
Melissa Orosco- 949-858-3062
Michelle Stout (mjs92688(at)cox.net)- 949-589-5609
Website: http://www.beginningexperience.org/***Click here: Brochure for Retreats
DivorceCare
DivorceCare is a seminar/small group resource desgined to help your church effectively minister to people hurting because of separation and divorce.
DivorceCare is currently being offered on Thursdays at 7pm at:
St. Irenaeus Church
9201 Grindlay Street
Cypress, CA 90630
Contact: Pat Hansmeyer
(714) 952-4931 (home)
(714) 713-7412 (cell)
Links and Resources:
- Catholic Divorce Ministry -
North American Conference of Separated & Divorced Catholics
Support for families experiencing separation and divorce.
CDM Central Office
P.O. Box 10
Hancock, MI 49930-0010
Phone: (855)727-2269
Fax: (855)729-8751
E-Mail: office(at)nacsdc.org
Web Site: http://www.nacsdc.org/
- DivorceCare
P.O. Box 1739
Wake Forest, NC 27588
Phone: (800) 489-7778
email: info(at)divorcecare.org
- Journey of Hope Productions
Journey of Hope is a 13-week support program to help Catholics recover from the emotional pain of divorce or separation and to regain hope. With its uniquely Catholic prospective, Journey of Hope addresses the key challenges brought on by divorce and leads participants down the path to recovery by helping them more fully understand and live their faith. The result is a rediscovery of the beauty and wisdom of the Catholic faith, and a deep connection to Jesus Christ, the great healer and restorer of hope. Journey of Hope is being facilitated in parishes throughout the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean.
1355 Terrell Mill Road
Building 1482, Suite 150
Marietta, GA 30067
Telephone: (678) 296-1695
http://www.divorcedcatholic.com/
- Rainbows
Provides a bridge to emotional healing for children, adolescents and adults confronting death, divorce or other painful family transition.
1360 Hamilton Parkway
Itasca, IL 60143
Phone: (847) 952-1770 or (800) 266-3206 (USA & Canada)
Fax: (847) 952-1774
E-Mail: info(at)rainbows.org
Web Site: http://www.rainbows.org/