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.
Developed and hosted by Rose Sweet, Surviving Divorce features experts Dr. Ray Guarendi, Ph.D., Fr. Donald Calloway, M.I.C., Fr. Steve Porter, S.T.L., Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J., and Christopher West. It also includes personal testimonies of 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, participants 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 an hour 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 will be offered starting on Monday, January 7, 2019, from 7:00-8:30pm in our Byrne Room, which is located in St. Joseph Hall, across from the church building. The program will continue for twelve weeks.
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.