SDC’s mission is “to actively encourage the unique ministry of separated and divorced Catholics to each other (for example, to minister to the spiritual, emotional, and social needs of separated and divorced Catholics through personal interaction) and to call upon the Church to lend counsel and support to this ministry. ” While each experience with SDC is unique, a natural progression of the supporting activities is available to all SDC members. Here are those activities:

· Monthly Meetings. Monthly meetings are information-gathering forums in a setting that ministers to the spiritual and emotional needs through personal interaction. Facilitators present topics of interest or the SD&B program (see below). Currently regular monthly meetings are being held only in Montgomery [temporarily suspended], Charles and Calvert Counties.

· Separation, Divorce, and Beyond (SD&B). An series of workshops of structured healing developed by Brother James Greteman, CSC and Leon Haverkamp, MSW, helps us work through the mourning period with others who know, understand and share our special problems and frustrations. This program helps us gain a healthy perspective on our separation and/or divorce, understand some of our emotional responses, and find ways of coping that will lead to growth and the eventual restructuring of our lives. The program provides a safe place to meet other separated & divorced Catholics who are working toward the same goals.è 2013 Annual Retreat will be based on SD&B.

· Together We Can Make It. Similar to the above but presented in Charles County. Currently inactive.

· Rap Sessions. Rap sessions provide opportunities to share thoughts and feelings in an atmosphere of friendship and understanding. These sessions are especially valuable to new members. The only current active rap sessions are held in Calvert County.

· Help for Children. Please call Deacon David Barnes (301)261-3573 for info about Rainbows, a program designed to help children recover from the loss of a love one—through divorce or death. Also Lynn Cassella's Faith Journeys Foundation, Inc

· Annual Retreat is a weekend designed to help the separated and divorced achieve closure on the past and move forward. Next Retreat: May 24-26 2013 at Loyola Retreat House Loyola website

MEETINGS:

CALVERT COUNTY: May 19^that 7:30 pm

Directions: From beltway, take Rt. 4 S. to Prince Frederick. Turn L. at the Rt. 231 intersection onto Church St. Go to the stop sign & turn R. onto Main St. Go about ½ miles. At St. John Vianney Church turn L. and follow Holy Family Drive to the Parish Center. For info call Jerry 410-257-3267 (email-worrell@chesapeake.net).

Map to St. John Vianney's Church

Visit St. John Vianney's Website

CHARLES COUNTY: Every Fridayat 7:30 pm

Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church at 100 Village Street Waldorf, MD 20602-2183 will be hosting a new SDC support group for those in the OLHC and surrounding parishes every Friday beginning Friday, April 5, 7:30-8:30pm. Anyone who has experienced the pain of a separation or divorce during the past 24 months is invited to attend. Childcare may be available. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Pearson at Cell: 301-922-0084, Email: maryp10@yahoo.com.

Map to Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church

Visit Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church 's Website

MONTGOMERY COUNTY:

Separation, Divorce, and Beyond sessions have terminated. However, we are planning a new series of monthly meetings with a different format.

Order the Book "Divorce and Beyond"

CONTACT US

SITES FOR SEPARATION OR DIVORCE

North American Conference of Separated and Divorced Catholics (NACSDC)

Annulment Guidance for the Archdioceses of Washington and Baltimore and the Diocese of Arlington

Catholic Single Again Council of Baltimore

Coping and Rebuilding in Northern Virginia

Sharing Hope, a separated and divorced group in Northern Virginia