Divorce can be a devastating event for everyone involved.  As a Church, we are called to imitate Jesus Christ, who always sought to heal the broken hearted.  Below you will find resources to help your parish, your friends, family members or even yourself to begin the healing process.

BEGINNING EXPERIENCE, A HEALING FROM MARITAL LOSS

From Friday evening through Sunday afternoon, the Beginning Experience program is presented by a team of people who have suffered the loss of a loved one through death, separation or divorce, and are willing to share their own experience to help others. Team members lead participants through a program of presentations, personal private reflection, and small group sharing.  A sense of community develops in an atmosphere of care and concern that is a hallmark of each  weekend.

Beginning Experience weekends are held three times a year in the Kansas City metro area.   http://www.beginningexperiencekc.org, and use the online inquiry form or contact register.bekc@gmail.com – Lynn Schulte 785-282-8964, Teresa Gutierrez 816-529-9002 .  For additional resources on healing, or to find a weekend in another city, visit: www.beginningexperience.org . 

Beginning Experience also offers a weekly format over the course of about 8 weeks that leads the participant through the healing process.  This weekly experience is called, “Coping with Life Alone”. For dates and registration information, contact: kc.cwla@gmail.com, Donna Eisenbarth 816-305-3760.

Called To Love Again – Your Heart’s Desire

We are all made for relationship. But after a divorce, that can feel like a joke. Fear of being hurt again, feelings of unworthiness and the reality of being a single parent all make it a daunting idea. However, we are called to give and receive love for our greater flourishing but also for God’s Mission on earth. Divorce doesn’t define us. The church welcomes and needs you to get back out there! This monthly gathering of men and women is focused on healing from relationship wounds and learning how to set yourself up for a healthy, happy, holy relationship.  Whether you are ready to date or just thinking about it, CTLA can help you grow and discern. Topics include identity, vocation, boundaries, communication, theology of the body, and the dating culture and are presented by Katie and Mike Palitto. Join us Saturdays at 6pm throughout the diocese. Full schedule and more information can be found at www.thecall2love.com. Contact us at katie@thecall2love.com to be added to our e-newsletter for updates and event reminders. Also find us on FB and Instagram.

 

Life-Giving Wounds

One aspect of divorce healing is addressing the needs of children of divorce. The Kansas City chapter of Life-Giving Wounds hosts an annual retreat and support group, and will be offering more opportunities as the chapter grows. For national LGW resources see: https://lifegivingwounds.org and for local events, contact Brad DuPont: bdupont@archkck.org. 

Surviving Divorce: Self-guided or group program

Surviving Divorce 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 and those still struggling with issues many years later. It will help them answer their questions, restore hope, and begin authentic healing. This course is easily presented on a parish level, but there are also materials for individual study.  To review or order materials, see Surviving Divorce: Hope and Healing for the Catholic Family – Ascension (ascensionpress.com)

To attend this course in Leawood, KS see Divorce and Annulment Support – St. Michael the Archangel Parish – Leawood, KS (stmichaelcp.org)

If you are interested in starting a group at your parish, please contact Brad DuPont in the Office of Marriage and Family Life, bdupont@archkck.org or 913-647-0301. 

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?