The other day I was on a radio interview for our local Catholic radio station.
I was sharing about a new divorce recovery group that begins tonight where I work.
Having gone through a divorce and the annulment process myself, I see a real need to better help Catholic men and women who are trying to figure out what to do and where to find help.
When I accepted the current job I have, the pastor asked me what were new, creative ideas that I wanted to try and offer at the parish.
Almost immediately, I expressed the need to offer this type of group, as they are so needed today.
My own experience led me me to visit a support group once at a nearby, large Catholic church. But it was such a negative experience, I ended up going to a support group at a big non-denominational church in the area.
I was frustrated when I didn't see the Church doing more to help people who have been in this situation.
If we want to be the Church Jesus desires, we have to be willing to walk with and accompany people through the painful, messy experiences of their lives.
Looking back on those years, one of the concepts that was difficult for me to accept was that (somehow) God could use the experience of a divorce for a greater good in my life. That doesn't mean I advocate for people to walk away from their marriage, though I do believe sometimes that is the best option.
As I talked and prayed through that concept with people in my life I began to see that, yes, God could even use my marriage ending for a greater good in my life and in the wider church community.
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