DEPARTMENT for MARRIAGE & FAMILY MINISTRY
7911 Detroit Ave - Cleveland, Ohio 44102
216-334-2978  / 216-334-2976 (fax)


The future of the world and of the Church passes by way of the family. -John Paul II


 

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Parishioners and parish leaders might well ask themselves: How are separated and divorced persons treated in this parish? What is the parishioners’ prevalent attitude toward persons who are separated or civilly divorced? Pope John Paul II characterized the fundamental Christian attitude that ought to permeate a parish’s response: “let these men and women know that the Church loves them. . . . it is necessary to welcome them with charity and kindness.”   read more from the U.S. Bishops>

Spouses who are separated: the road to healing, reconciliation, and rebuilding of your relationship can be a slow, painful one. If you are willing to begin that journey, the Church has many resources like pastoral counseling, Retrouvaille, and the Third Option program which can assist you.

Divorced Persons: Relationships and circumstances within your family may have changed, but God’s love for you is ever present and does not come to an end. Grasp the hands of those who reach out to you in loving concern. Extend your own hand to others whom you meet on the road to healing and reconciliation. There is a home for you within our parishes and communities of faith.

Continue reading this page to find helpful articles and supportive groups and programs:

Research & Articles Helpful Links
Top Ten Myths of Divorce (from Rutgers Marriage Project)
Thinking About Divorce?  Think Again. (U.S. Bishops)
Divorce Facts & Statistics (.ppt)  (U.S. Health & Human Services)
Cleveland Marriage Tribunal (Annulment Information)
Catholic Divorce Ministry
Lake-Geauga Ministry to the Divorced & Separated

Divorce Busting  (helpful but not Catholic)

Need help with an annulment?  Attend First Step
The Tribunal of the Diocese of Cleveland will be presenting a new program for beginning the annulment process.  The First Step Program is meant to provide individuals with a simplified method for the initial presentation of a case to the Tribunal.  The program will consist of two sessions.  The first meeting will be a general overview of marriage as understood by the Catholic Church and an explanation of the Tribunal process.  This meeting is also open to anyone who would be interested in deepening his/her knowledge of marriage in the Catholic Church and the annulment process.  Individuals who would like to begin the First Step Program will be given the appropriate materials at the conclusion of the meeting.  The second meeting will be an individual meeting, by appointment only, for the purpose of presenting the completed materials.  Pre-registration for the first meeting is not necessary. 
Places and Dates for Quick Start Events are listed on the Tribunal Website>

If you have questions, please call Lynette Tait at the Tribunal, 216-696-6525 or 800-869-6525, ext. 4000.

                        
                                  Please click  to view or download  Earthen Vessels Newsletter

 

 

 

 

 

Winter 2010 - Vol 4 Issue 2- Hope for the Holidays
Spring 2010 - Vol 4 Issue 1 - Moving on after Infidelity
Fall 2009 - Vol 3 Issue 3.pdf  Recovering From Infidelity
Summer 2009 - Vol 3 Issue 2.pdf  Remarriage
Spring 2009 - Vol 3 Issue 1.pdf  Alcoholism

Fall 2008 - Vol 2 Issue 2.pdf  Stages of Divorce 
Spring 2008 - Vol 2 Issue 1.pdf  Healing for Women
Fall, 2007 - Vol 1 Issue 3.pdf Children & Divorce
Summer 2007 - Vol 1 Issue 2.pdf Coping with Divorce
Winter 2007 - Vol 1 Issue 1.pdf Forgiveness / Mediation

Prayers & Articles

Resources


Reflections for the Divorced
O Antiphons for the Divorced
Easter Requiem Reflection 
Coping with Summer Vacations


 


-Words of Hope & Comfort
-A Candle of Hope is Burning
(Advent Reflection)
-(2) Facilitators Guide for Parish Leaders
-Helping Children Through the Holidays
-Don't Bury the Alleluia in Your Life
(Lenten Reflection)

                     Divorce Ministry – Advent Program
The Department for Marriage and Family Ministry is offering parishes the booklet A Candle of Hope is Burning: An Advent Reflection, for those experiencing loss through separation or divorce, for $1.50 per copy.  The booklet can be used for self-directed meditation or by parishes or support groups as a four-week Advent program. A Facilitator’s Guide is available for $5. Please contact Jane at 216-334-2978 to order.

For Resources: Contact Jane Schwendeman 216-334-2978 or jschwendeman@clevelandcatholiccharities.org   Click here for order form                                                                                    

District Events and Workshops

Hope Workshop for Separated/Divorced - St. Joseph, Amherst, Starts February 4, 2013


Divorce Recovery Groups

The following parishes are hosting Divorce Recovery Groups  
Call to sign up or for more information.

City When Day Time Place Contact Person Contact Phone Notes
Chesterland 6/11-7/30/2013 Tues 7-9 p.m. St. Anselm Karen Jubeck 440-352-8282 Free. www.divorced-separated.net
Strongsville Third Friday Fri 6:30 - 8 St. Joseph Carol Petro 216-334-2975 12 Steps to Peace, 3rd Friday each month
Willowick 4/3-5/22/2013 Wed 7-9 p.m. St. Mary Magdalene Karen Jubeck 440-352-8282 Free. www.divorced-separated.net

 

DivorceCare & DivorceCare for Kids (DC4K)

Topics covered will be:   

What's Happening to Me / The Road to to Healing /Finding Help  /  Facing My Anger
Facing My Depression  /  Facing My Loneliness  /  What Does the Owner's Manual Say
New Relationships  /  Financial Survival  /  KidCare  /  Single Sexuality
Forgiveness  /  Reconciliation and Moving On  /  Growing Closer to God

DC4K is a 12-week program geared to introduce children ages 5 - 12 to the grieving process and
to give them the tools necessary to develop healthier relationships within their own families.

the following parishes are hosting DivorceCare and DivorceCare for Kids. Both are 12-week programs

Dates Day Time Topic City Place Contact Person Contact Phone
4/11/2013 - 6/27/2013 Thurs 7:00 -8:30 p.m. DivorceCare / Adults Brecksville St. Basil Mary Ann Webb 440-792-4721
6/5/2013 - 8/21/2013 Wed 7-8:30 p.m. DivorceCare for Kids Brecksville St. Basil Mary Ann Webb 440-792-4721

 

ONGOING SUPPORT GROUPS

City Place Day Time Notes Contact Person Contact Phone
Cuyahoga Falls Immaculate Heart of Mary Meets 2nd Monday 7:30 PM Akron Sep/Div & Widowed Catholics   Newsletter Frank Papa 330-801-0527
North Olmsted St. Brendan Meets 1st, 3rd, & 5th Sundays 7:00 PM Westshore Sep/Div & Wid Catholics Jane McGonegal 216-509-4570
 

 

۞   ۞   ۞

 

Peer Support Facilitator Training

Presented by:  Department for Marriage & Family Ministry

TBA

 

For registration - please contact Jane 216-334-2978 or

email: jschwendeman@clevelandcatholiccharities.org  

for training information, contact Carol 216-334-2975 or

e-mail: clpetro@clevelandcatholiccharities.org

Last update  +  10 June, 2013  

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