Ministry to the Separated and Divorced
Ministry Coordinator: Joy Kainer at (908) 788-5184
All inquiries are confidential.

Mission Statement:
Our Christ-centered ministry provides supportive pastoral care for adults and children affected by separation or divorce. Through group meetings, prayer services, retreats, and information, we lead individuals to cope with and eventually heal from the emotional and practical difficulties resulting from their broken relationships.

St. Joseph Church offers:

• Recovery Group – weekly peer support group for adults.
• Rainbows – weekly peer support group for children, ages 4 - 14. Day of Reflection - held annually, offers an opportunity to reflect on one’s grieving and to consider forgiveness in one's recovery.
• Annulment Information Night – held annually, an opportunity for adults to learn all about the annulment process.
• Day of Reflection
• Reconciliation Resources – provided to separated individuals or couples considering or seeking reconciliation.
• Social Gatherings – informally arranged and attended by past and present participants of our Recovery Group and their friends.
• Prayer for Hope
  

Other organizations offer:

• Beginning Experience – weekend for those who wish to experience healing more deeply.
• Support Groups for Separated/Divorced Catholics – flyer listing churches within Metuchen Diocese that have support groups.
• No.Amer.Conf. of Sep. and Div.Catholics – offers newsletters, conferences, socials.
• Retrouvaille – program for rebuilding the relationships in troubled marriages, including those already separated or divorced.

Recovery Group
This ministry blends teaching and small group discussion to aid persons in their first years of pain associated with separation and divorce.

Topics include anger, loneliness, self-esteem, stress, effect on children, forgiveness, new relationships.

Our program cycles in 14-week increments. Attending a second cycle helps those who missed sessions or may need additional support.

The Recovery Group is open to all Christian denominations and is facilitated by a team of dedicated and caring persons who have lived through their own divorce experience.

We encourage participants to currently be in counseling or to have had previous counseling for their individual circumstances.

Recovery Group meetings are held from 7:30-9:00 PM. There is no fee.

Day of Reflection
" Starting on the Road to Forgiveness" is offered each year to those who are separated or divorced. Participants are given an opportunity to reflect on the five stages of grief as it applies to their broken marriage covenants. Forgiveness is explained and shown as the option which eventually leads one to full recovery.

Annulment Info Night
This annual event is designed for anyone wanting information on what an annulment is, when and why it is needed, who can get one, and how much they cost. There is time for group questions and answers, as well as private time for personal questions.

Reconciliation Resources
Separation does not necessarily mean divorce. Sometimes marriages just need a "time out". Resources are available to help individuals or spouses evaluate their situation.

Prayer for Hope
Merciful God, we are your children, broken and tired. Please cradle our shattered lives in your hands and lead us toward your healing light. Through your grace, help us become more attuned to your will and better able to follow you. We ask you to breathe your spirit of hope and renewal into our souls so we may come to know your peace and live in the fullness of your unending love.