Surviving Divorce, a 12-part video series, was created to bring hope and healing to those who have experienced the pain and loneliness of a broken marriage. It is for the newly separated and divorced as well as those who may still be struggling with issues many years later. It will help them find answers to their questions, restore hope, and begin authentic healing.
The series was developed by and is hosted by Rose Sweet, an author and speaker, who has gone through divorce and an annulment. For 25 years she has ministered to divorced and separated people who face the trauma of their broken relationships. Surviving Divorce features five experts:
Dr. Ray Guarendi, a clinical psychologist, marriage and family counselor, author, speaker, and father of ten children.
Fr. Donald Calloway, M.I.C., whose own mother was divorced. By the time Fr. Donald was ten years old he had had three "fathers."
Fr. Steve Porter, S.T.L., a seasoned spiritual director for more than 20 years.
Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J., biblical scholar and regular EWTN guest. He is fluent in twelve languages.
Christopher West, an expert in the Theology of the Body, speaker, and author.
The series also includes the personal testimonies of twelve Catholic men and women who have experienced the breakdown of their marriages and families. They courageously share their stories with heart, humor, and wisdom. As they witness to their pain and the healing power of Christ in their lives, viewers of the series will laugh, cry, and identify with their journeys from heartache to healing.
Surviving Divorce will help you:
+ work through the emotional upheaval of separation and divorce
+ find personal healing and hope
+ discover a deeper understanding of God's love for you
+ gain wisdom and comfort from experts and others who share your experiences
+ navigate new concerns like custody, court hearings, and finances
The meeting format involves a 30-minute video segment on a range of topics followed by 75 minutes or so of discussion, reflection, sharing, and mutual support. Confidentiality is very important to the dynamics of this support group, so it will be maintained at all times. The meeting space and format are designed to be more on the intimate side to foster an atmosphere of trust and comfort.
The program was most recently offered in the winter of 2019. Plans are under way to offer it again near the start of the new calendar year. Stay tuned for updates.
Registration includes a suggested donation of $15.00 for the participant manual. All other items for the course are free. Pre-registration is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Participants are welcome to join the group up to the third session in the series. Admitting new participants after that time causes a shift in the group dynamic which may not be conducive to the level of comfort and familiarity that has developed up to that time; hence we ask that no new participants join the group beyond that point.
For those who would like some material to consider if you find the holiday season to be a painful reminder of your situation, please see the linked document below entitled "Ten Tips for Surviving the Holidays."
For more information, please contact our Pastoral Associate, Joel S. Peters, at 201-337-7596, ext. 315 or joel@olphoakland.org.