The Catholic Church maintains that Marriage is until the “death” of one of the spouses. But sometimes marriages die even when both spouses are still living. Civilly, these marriages are brought to an end by a Civil Divorce Degree.  The Church is concerned about the spouses in situations like this. Even more the Church takes every opportunity to offer pastoral care to those whose marriages are threatened.

There is help for marriages which are troubled. Couples or individuals are invited to consult with the pastor or one of the associate priests for spiritual care and further recommendations to accommodate troubled spouses through difficult time.

There are a number of resources available to spouses before divorce becomes imminent.

Pastoral Care

Pastoral Care is first of all offered by the priests of the parish. Further recommendations for pastoral care can also be recommended by the priest to local marriage counselors.

Retrouvaille

Retrouvaille, a special marriage weekend, is also available through the Diocese of Harrisburg on a periodic basis.

Marriage Seminars

Marriage seminars and workshops are also available yearly. Look for announcements in the Bulletin.

New Beginnings

When marriages do end with divorce, the parish offers this healing workshop. Peer couples facilitate the sessions over a period of eight weeks. New Beginnings is intended to help individuals assess themselves in the light of divorce and to facilitate a new and positive beginning.

Annulment Process

Once a divorce is finalized, an individual may consider an annulment from the Church. Annulment is not a Catholic divorce, but rather a judgment of the Church stating that a marriage was never a Sacramental Marriage, even though it may have been witnessed under the auspices of the Church. Annulments do take time and there is no guarantee that they will be granted. Nevertheless, individuals should consult with the pastor or parish priests for more information. Annulments benefit individuals whose lives have been disrupted by divorce by bringing spiritual healing to the individuals and an opportunity for a new beginning in a Catholic marriage.