Divorced & Separated
BEHOLD Ministry Groups
BEHOLD, is a ministry for separated and divorced members of the body of Christ. Through the use of the image of the Ecce Homo during this 12-week program, each person may be met through the Church in Encountering Christ's Compassionate Embrace. Compassion mornings will be offered on topics that will bring healing to participants. For more information, please go to archstl.org/renewal.
If you are interested in starting a group at your parish, please contact Jane Guenther at 314.792.7734 or [email protected].
Catholic Renewal Center
6120 Pebble Hill Drive, Affton, MO 63123
Contact Cheryl Nelson at 314.731.6100
BEHOLD Group Offerings
Ascension (Chesterfield)
230 Santa Maria Dr., Chesterfield, MO 63005 Multipurpose Room Annex
Contact: Lucia Hill at 314.757.1869 or [email protected] or Barb Kelley at 636.541.6381 or bakelley616@sbcglobal.net
Cardinal Rigali Center (Shrewsbury)
20 Archbishop May Dr., St. Louis, MO 63119
Contact: Don Gayou at [email protected] or call 314.406.3098
Christ, Prince of Peace (Manchester)
415 Weidman Rd., Manchester, MO 63011
Contact: Julie Licavoli at 314.922.6496 or [email protected]
Immaculate Conception (Arnold)
2300 Church Rd., Arnold, MO 63010
Contact: Regina Staloch at [email protected]
Immaculate Conception (Dardenne Prairie)
7701 State Highway N, Dardenne Prairie, MO 63368
New sessions start January 10, 2023, 7pm to 9pm
Contact: Debi Jones-Orf at [email protected]
Mary, Mother of the Church (Mattese)
5901 Kerth Rd., St. Louis, MO 63128 (in the Annex)
Tuesday Evenings from 7pm to 8:30pm
Contact: Ellen Adams at [email protected] or Kim Thomas at [email protected]
St. Clare of Assisi (Ellisville)
15642 Clayton Rd., Ellisville, MO 63011
10am to 12pm
Contact Michelle Fuller at [email protected] or 314.623.9294
Sts Joachim & Ann Catholic Church
4112 McClay Rd, St Charles, MO 63304
Contact the parish office for more information at 836-441-7503 or [email protected]
St. Joseph Parish (Manchester)
567 St. Joseph Lane, Manchester, MO 63021
Contact for the parish at 636.227.5247
Seven Holy Founders (Affton)
6741 Rock Hill Rd., Affton, MO 63123
Contact: Don Gayou at [email protected] or call 314.406.3098
More groups are coming soon – please contact Jane Guenther for more details: [email protected] or 314.792.7734
Commonly Asked Questions
If you have any questions about the videos, or would like more information on Surviving Divorce (described above), contact Jane Guenther at 314.792.7734 or [email protected]
Resources:
Faith Journeys is dedicated to providing parishes, schools and Dioceses with the tools and expertise to offer Catholic-based group programs for children and adolescents from divorced or separated families so they may heal more fully, grow stronger in their faith, and enter marriage free of the burdens of unresolved grief. Faith Journeys offers an award-winning, Catholic-based model of accompaniment and mentoring for children experiencing parental divorce, separation or remarriage.
Help for Troubled Marriages – please see the Troubled Marriages resource
The Institute For Marital Healing
The mission of the Institute for Marital Healing is to strengthen Catholic marriages and families by educating spouses, marital therapists and clergy about common causes of conflicts in marital self-giving and effective approaches to alleviating such conflicts. Through a combination of online resources, educational programs and publications, the Institute employs a time-tested approach to marital therapy that recognizes the importance of both science and faith in the process of marital healing.
Books
Annulments and the Catholic Church: Straight Answers to Tough Questions by Edward Peters, J.D., J.C.D.
Many questions abound regarding this issue, one which unfortunately touches the lives of many in the Church today. In this helpful book, canon and civil lawyer Edward N. Peters clears up some of the confusion by answering the most commonly-asked annulment questions in a thorough yet easy-to-understand style.
Courage to Love... When Your Marriage Hurts by Gerald Foley
Building on the experience of Retrouvaille, a successful church-sponsored ministry, this book focuses on building relationships. It invites couples to reconciliation, to rebuilding trust, to learning the skills necessary for healthy communication, and to growing spiritually through the lived reality of married life.
December Roses: Pastoral Reflections on Divorce by Hector M. Medina
Though much literature has been written on this topic, this book details the thought processes associated with the planning and execution of a divorce and the painful emotions and feelings which occur, while at the same time providing a means of prayerful healing for those involved in the divorce situation.
The Divorce Remedy: The Proven 7-Step Program for Saving Your Marriage by Michele Weiner Davis
In a down-to-earth style, Weiner Davis outlines a realistic, solution-oriented seven-step program for managing marital problems, which, when left unchecked, can drain the life out of a relationship.
How to Understand & Petition for Your Decree of Nullity by Rose Sweet
Only God can see deeply into the human heart. He knows how human frailty and weakness, and inabilities of some people to enter into marriage freely and fully despite their best attempts. After careful study of such an attempted union, the Church may be able to declare that no valid marriage bond was created. And this book will help you understand the process.
Marriage 911: How God Saved Our Marriage by Greg & Julie Alexander
Greg and Julie Alexander thought divorce was the only way out of their lifeless, loveless marriage. Quite unexpectedly, a faithful priest guided them back to the truths of the Church, and as they began to incorporate these truths into their lives, they were able to restore the love they once had for each other. Marriage 911 chronicles their journey back from the brink of divorce to marital happiness built on a strong Catholic faith.
Rebuilding After Divorce: Making Your House a Home Again by Rose Sweet
Whether you've recently divorced or it's been a few years, you can rebuild a life rich in faith, hope, and lots of love. But first you'll need blueprints, clear directions to make your house a home again. For over 20 years, Rose Sweet has brought her wit and wisdom to the separated, divorced, and remarried.
Additional Links
Answers to Common Questions about Separation and Divorce A document prepared by the Archdiocese of St. Louis, with material from Rose Sweet
Divorced Catholic We invite you on a journey back to a life filled with promise and peace. Allow Christ to walk with you as you rediscover His healing and rejuvenating power through the wisdom, richness, and truth of your Catholic faith.
Catholic Divorce Ministry Since 1974, CDM has been committed to the healing and recovery of those who have experienced separation and divorce.
If you would like help finding a Catholic marriage counselor, please feel free to contact the Office of Marriage and Family Life.
"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." — (US Bishops’ 1994 pastoral message to families, Follow the Way of Love).