Holy Redeemer Catholic Church - Kissimmee Florida

HR Catholic Church Support for Divorced & Separated

An educational support group for those going through the trauma of separation or divorce.
*New Beginnings* is a support group—not a singles group. Although friendship and community are encouraged, dating is not. This is an opportunity for personal healing. The group is closed after the first 2-3 weeks in order to allow the group to guild trust and community. The groups are facilitated by trained volunteers who are former participants.

Group Goals:

To help individuals deal with the grief process.
To develop healthier attitudes and improve self-esteem.
To assist people in their spiritual journey.
To provide a safe, confidential place to deal with feelings.
To help people rebuild their lives and move on toward a “New Beginning.”

PHASE 1 (9 weeks) – focuses on the changes occurring because of separation and divorce. As we progress through Phase 1 we gain confidence in ourselves and our ability to make decisions.

Topics include:

Dealing with loneliness.
Coping with the process of grief.
Discovering the trusting self.
Relationship to God and Church.
Being a single parent.
Dealing with the ex-spouse.

Includes speakers and large and small group discussions.

PHASE 2 (10 weeks) – focuses on rebuilding one’s life. By gaining a better understanding of our past relationships, we learn how to interact and build positive relationships in the future.

Topics include:

Guild/rejection
Anger
Letting go
Self-worth
Transition
Trust
Openness
Singleness
Freedom

Uses book and workbook by Bruce Fisher—Rebuilding: When Your Relationship Ends

Some Comments from participants:

“This support group can and will help with ‘I am the only one with all these problems’ feelings.” Mike

“A resource you can ignore, but in doing so, you deprive yourself of an opportunity for healing, hope and growth.” Randy

“This group helps you understand human behavior. It assists in the understanding of why your particular relationship didn’t last a lifetime or ‘happily ever after.’” Leann

For more inforamtion:

Contact the Family Life Office of the Catholic Diocese

Phone: 407-246-4867

Cave Days Are Over
After months inside my cozy cave
I thought I might come out.
It felt as if I had to purge
The urge to jump and shout,

“Self sacrifice is over!
The end of isolation’s come.
It’s time to get back in the world
And feel something more than numb.”

Son on Monday I called Sandy
Who said a group starts Tuesday eve.
I was pleased that I had called her,
Yet was still afraid to leave.

My safe and sound environment
To meet a bunch of strangers.
Who knew what lurked outside my cave?
Who knew the awful dangers?

So with lots of trepidation
I decided to go out
And check out ”New Beginnings:
To see what this group’s about.

I found it not so scary.
These were people just like me,
Emerging from their caves as well
With hopes to somehow see

The light that’s at the ending
Of that dark cave we call divorce
And find in one’s own heart and soul
A truly awesome force.

That gives us strength and courage
To face a sometimes lonely world
With friends who deeply care for us,
Which gives us hope unfurled.

With high hopes cave days are over
And I face a future bright.
I want to tell each one of you
Thanks for helping me see the light.

Michael J. Weis 12/11/01

Last Updated: February 22, 2008