Pope John Paul II in his apostolic
document "On the Family" reminded us to
be sensitive to the condition of the separated/divorced
among us. "I earnestly call upon pastors
and the whole community of the faithful to help the
divorced and take care to make sure they do not consider
themselves as separated from the Church, for as baptized
persons they can, and indeed must share in her life…Let
the Church pray for them, encourage them and show
herself a merciful mother and thus sustain them in
faith and hope."
In ministering to the separated
and divorced, we have the opportunity to witness
to God's love and faithfulness to those who experience
the trauma of marriage breakdown and also experience
God's healing as it takes place in their lives. Many
people contact our office looking for help and understanding
from their Church. identify the ongoing need for
this type of support. The Office of Life and Family
Ministries seeks work with parishes to reach out
to families who are experiencing separation or divorce.
Our office welcomes calls from parishes and parishioners
who are seeking support and information. This website
seeks to provide information for people experiencing
separation or divorce and parish staff who are ministering
to them.
Ministry to the Separated
and Divorced
