January 20, 2006

Retreat for separated and divorced Catholics focuses on forgiveness

By Mary Ann Wyand

“The Power of Forgiveness,” a one-day retreat for separated and divorced Catholics on Feb. 4, is intended to help people continue their lives in new and different ways.

The retreat will help them let go of “negative thoughts and feelings and open their minds to new and fulfilling opportunities and adventures,” said Marilyn Hess, associate director of healing family ministries for the archdiocesan Office of Family Ministries.

Hess said the retreat also invites participants to examine the concept of forgiveness as it relates to God and others.

The retreat is sponsored by the archdiocesan Office of Family Ministries and the Family Life Office in the Diocese of Lafayette.

It will be held from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Feb. 4 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, 1045 W. 146th St., in Carmel, Ind., in the Lafayette Diocese.

The retreat includes presentations, discussions and exercises that focus on healing.

“The goal is to break the cycle of hatred, resentment and anger,” Hess said, “offering relief to the body, mind and spirit.”

She said forgiveness is a necessary part of the healing process and the key to living a wholesome life.

Dominican Father Dan Davis, chaplain for the separated and divorced ministry in the Lafayette Diocese, will assist a lay ministry team in presenting the retreat. He is pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in West Lafayette, Ind.

(The cost of the day is $7 and includes a continental breakfast and box lunch. For more information or to register, call the archdiocesan Office of Family Ministries at 317-236-1596 or 800-382-9836, ext. 1596.) †

 

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