Let the Church pray for them, encourage them and show herself a merciful mother, and thus sustain them in faith and hope.”
Pope John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio, 84
Divorce and separation are complex and sensitive issues that affect many families. The Catholic Church recognizes that there are situations where separation of spouses may become necessary. While the Church upholds the values of the marital covenant, she approaches these situations with compassion, seeking to provide pastoral care to families who experience the pain of separation and divorce.
The Sanctity of Marriage
The Catholic Church views marriage as a sacred covenant, a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman, reflecting Christ’s love for His Church. Marriage is not just a contract but a sacrament, imparting grace to the couple and helping them grow in holiness.
Causes of Divorce and Separation
Various factors contribute to marital breakdowns, including infidelity, financial stress, and lack of communication. The Church acknowledges these challenges and encourages couples to seek help early.
The National Catholic Reporter notes that around 28% of Catholic marriages end in divorce, compared to approximately 40-50% in the general U.S. population. Common reasons cited for divorce among Catholics include infidelity (55%), substance abuse (45%), and financial problems (40%).
Annulments and Church Teachings
It’s important to note that annulment is different from divorce. An annulment declares that a valid marriage never existed, while divorce presumes the existence of a valid marriage that is then dissolved. The Catholic Church teaches that a valid marriage arises from the free, lifelong, and sacramental covenant between a man and woman, which is ordered towards their good and the procreation of children. This bond established by God is indissoluble. The annulment process examines whether the marriage met the criteria for sacramentality at the time of the wedding. The Church upholds the indissolubility of marriage and does not recognize divorce but allows for annulment in certain cases where an essential element of marriage was lacking from the beginning.
Did you know that in 2019, the Vatican reported that approximately 49,000 marriage annulments were granted worldwide? The United States accounts for about 55-70% of all annulments granted annually.
For more information on Annulments, visit the Tribunal page here.
Pastoral Care and Support
There are numerous resources available for those struggling in their marriages or experiencing divorce or separation, including counseling, retreats, and support groups. Seeking help and guidance early, before a marital crisis develops, is essential for maintaining and restoring healthy relationships.
Retrouvaille
This program is for troubled marriages where separation or divorce is a possibility or has already occurred. Retrouvaille is a weekend retreat with a series of in-depth presentations given by a priest and team couples. There are follow-up sessions, which the participants are invited to attend. Couples are taught skills to help put the past behind them and begin “rediscovering” one another. For information, contact Patrick and Monica Griffin at 352-274-4614. All names and information are kept completely confidential.
Surviving Divorce Program
Surviving Divorce is a nationally acclaimed 12-week program. This program accompanies people on their journey using weekly videos, personal reflection, journaling, and small group sharing. Session topics include shock and grief, anger and forgiveness, money issues, dealing with children and a former spouse, and annulment and remarriage. This program strives to help all find answers to questions, restore hope, and begin authentic healing. For more information, contact Lori Reinneck at 407-645-0284 or email.
SmartLoving BreakThrough
An online course for spouses in distressed marriages. With a practical, solution-focused approach that draws on contemporary research and Catholic theology, this course arms you with skills and insights to transform your relationship into the thriving, joy-filled encounter that it’s meant to be.
Renovación Conyugal
Renovación Conyugal es un programa de enriquecimiento matrimonial con orientación cristiana católica. Está creado para ayudar a las parejas a fortalecer su relación en el matrimonio y a la vez, está diseñado para ayudar a aquellas parejas con problemas, sea que exista una separación o un proceso de divorcio, sin importar su denominación religiosa o el que estén casados o no. A las parejas se les brinda herramientas que les ayuden a renovar o mejorar su relación a través del taller de Renovación. Para más información llame al 407-690-0700.
Diálogo Matrimonial
Diálogo Matrimonial es una experiencia de Fin de Semana que brinda a las parejas la oportunidad de celebrar su vida conyugal dándoles tiempo para compartir sus sentimientos, esperanzas, alegrías, frustraciones, tristezas y sueños en una atmósfera completamente privada y fuera del alcance de las tensiones y distracciones de la vida diaria. Luego del fin de semana invitamos a las parejas a integrarse a MDS o Grupos Matrimoniales De Seguimiento es sus parroquias más cercanas. Para más información contacte a Máximo y Florelia al 561-755-0471.
Catholic Charities of Central Florida
Catholic Charities of Central Florida
Behavioral Health Services in Catholic Charities of Central Florida provides counseling services to couples needing support in their marriage. They offer virtual and face-to-face outpatient counseling services and accept a variety of insurances including Medicare. Clients who do not have insurance can be served through their sliding fee program. For more information, call 407-658-1818 ext.1069.
Divorced Catholics
Divorced Catholics’ mission is to help individuals on the path to recovery, rebuilding, and renewal from divorce by providing information, resources, and encouragement. They offer a 13-session program and a range of workshops on various topics that are available online or can be done in person at your parish.
The Beginning Experience
Beginning Experience® offers peer grief support for those grieving the loss of a spousal relationship (separated, divorced, and widowed) so they can move forward in life loving God, themselves, and others.
Life-Giving Wounds
Life-Giving Wounds’ mission is to help young adults and adults with divorced and separated parents give voice to their pain and find transformative healing in Christ. They are a Catholic, peer-led ministry that offers online or in-person retreats, support groups, and resources to provide spiritual healing to individuals who have been impacted by parents who are divorced and separated.
Parish Support Groups
Annunciation, Altamonte Springs
Carla Caguin
407-869-9472
Holy Name of Jesus, Indialantic
Karin Alcock
321-773-2783 ext. 134
St. Margaret Mary, Winter Park
Lori Reinneck
407-645-0284
St. Mary Magdalen, Altamonte Springs
Terry Brown
407-761-1506
Our Lady of Lourdes, Daytona Beach
Darren Nash
301-515-1717
Additional Resources
- North American Conference of Separated and Divorced Catholics / Catholic Divorce Ministry
- Annulments and Procedures
- Catholic Counselors
- SmartLoving BreakThrough Brochure
Contact Us
Edna Cedano
Marriage & Family Ministry Coordinator
Laity, Family & Life
407-246-4930