Parish Social Ministry - Divorce & Beyond and SPRED

Solidarity: “So that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they may also be in us…” Jn 17:21 - d More than just working for… the divorced , the person with disabilities , those wounded by abortion, the unplanned child, the stranger. We must walk in their shoes, enter their world, see the injustice through their eyes, then we can work with them to bring about change

Everything that God created is good and all creation belongs to Him. “God looked at everything He had made, and He found it very good.” Gen 1: 31

Every thing - the poor, those with disability and those separated from the church.

The Parish Inclusion Ministry seeks to:

Promote caring and inclusive parishes where people of all abilities can participate fully in Church life

Support SPRED, a religious education program for persons with special needs, that has been a part of our diocese for over 25 years

Offer "Divorce & Beyond" support groups; a safe, comfortable and confidential aatmosphere that provides hope and healing from the pain of divorce

Be a resource for helpful programs, trainings and events for parishes

SPRED - Sharing God's loving touch with members of our special needs community SPRED is a faith sharing program for children, young adults and adults with special needs. This very loving ministry program is offered at a number of parishes within our diocese each year.

Ministry to the divorced

Did you Know... Divorced Catholics are full members of the Catholic Church and can participate fully in the life of the church Divorced unmarried Catholics may receive Holy Communion and the Sacrament of Reconciliation Children are not considered illegitimate if a divorced Catholic is granted an annulment Before a divorced Catholic can remarry in the Church, an annulment needs to be granted through the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal on the previous marriage

"Divorce & Beyond" - Moving beyond the pain of divorce Groups are offered at various location around our diocese Groups are open to anyone who is divorced or going through a divorce Groups are facilitated by trained volunteers, most of whom have experienced divorce Groups run for 8 weeks Pre-Registration required Fall Divorce & Beyond Groups: Bangor : Begins Tuesday, September 14, 2010 Scarborough : Begins Monday, October 4, 2010 Portland : Begins Wednesday, October 6, 2010 Groups Meet 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Additional Parish Inclusion Resources

Divorce Ministry:
CONNECTED CATHOLICS OF MAINE In a society that does not readily recognize the feelings of isolation experiences by some single people, Connected Catholics can assist these individuals to venture forth, to try new things and have a feeling of community. Single Catholics feel safe attending activities with people of the same faith and values.

Disabilities Ministry:
National Catholic Partnership on Disabilities Rooted in Gospel values that affirm the dignity of every person, the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD) works collaboratively to ensure meaningful participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of the life of the Church and society

We are located: 307 Congress St. Portland, ME 04104 m

Mail to: PO Box 10660 Portland, ME 04104-6060 m

Call us: Toll Free in Maine:1-800- CARE -002 1-207-871-7464 Ext: 2672 Fax: 1-207-523-2764