During separation or divorce there is confusion, anger, sadness and fear. The Diocese of Oakland recognizes the difficult nature of life at this time and encourages parish-based ministries, as well as diocesan-sponsored activities and events to address this pain through:

• Pastoral counseling and community resource referrals. The Divorced Catholic Contact person gladly receives phone calls from Catholics and others who find themselves needing assistance in areas related to divorce, relationships, annulments and other areas having to do with relational strife, separation or loss;
• Group Counseling and Ongoing Support;
• We also actively encourage and support the formation of new support groups in local parishes.

Most groups are hosted by people who have themselves been through separation or divorce and want to offer support to others who are on this difficult journey towards a new life. Some groups have guest speakers, some offer opportunities to “talk it out” with compassionate listeners, others conduct study groups, while others offer a wide variety of social and recreational opportunities.

Through this sharing, greater understanding of God’s plan can be achieved.

Things You Can Hope To Accomplish In A Support Group:

• Meet others who understand your struggle.
• Share coping skills with others.
• Discover that loss is a process and so is recovery.
• Learn to manage as a “single” again.
• Learn new parenting skills and develop an ability to share parenting responsibilities.
• Find new friends with whom to walk into your future.
• Learn forgiveness.
• Find release in acceptance.
• Reclaim peace in heart and mind.
• Experience God's love and strengthen the bond of faith.