The Catholic Guide to Dating After Divorce


Book Description

In the first book written specifically for the 11 million divorced Catholics in the United States, Lisa Duffy—CatholicMatch.com columnist and creator of the “Journey of Hope” divorce recovery program—combines personal experience, Church teaching, and more than twenty years of ministering to those wounded by divorce to offer a guide that shows how faith can be a catalyst for healthy dating and relationships. Encouraging yet forthright, The Catholic Guide to Dating After Divorce offers sound advice to anyone who has experienced the deflating effects of divorce, but is not ready to give up on love. Affirming the universal need for intimacy, Duffy—a relationship expert, CatholicMatch.com columnist, and creator of the "Journey of Hope" divorce recovery program—shows how faith can be a catalyst for healthy relationships, helping to identify and uproot emotionally harmful habits and boosting authenticity and confidence. Duffy identifies five essential characteristics of spiritually healthy people—being available, affectionate, communicative, faithful, and magnanimous—and shows how cultivating these qualities can bring out the best, most confident, and most attractive version of anyone. Quizzes, journaling questions, and action steps will help the reader grow in these areas. The book concludes with an appendix on resources for those who need help working through an annulment or who are in need of other post-divorce resources.




Divorced. Catholic. Now What?: Navigating Life After Divorce


Book Description

A must read for divorced men and women, especially if you are Catholic, and the perfect curriculum for parish groups. This book is an indispensable tool for healing, no matter how long you've been divorced and is completely Catholic. Originally a successful program directed in parishes, "Divorced. Catholic. Now What?" provides answers to the difficult questions that Catholics face because of divorce, practical tools to help move past the pain and loneliness, and hope for the future. Issues Covered: Praying During Times of Distress Anger with Our Spouses, Ourselves and God Why Did God Allow This to Happen? What Does the Church Really Teach about Divorce? What is an Annulment? Stay Close to the Sacraments Dealing with the Ex-Spouse How are the Children? The Healing Begins Our Own Self-Worth The Value of Suffering Letting Go Working on Forgiveness Gratitude Sex and Dating as a Divorced Catholic Mary, Our Mother Hope for the Future and Our Vocation in Life




The Storms Can't Hurt the Sky


Book Description

Buddhism has been applied to everything from parenting to golf, but until now no one has offered Buddhist principles as a healing path through divorce. In Storms Can't Hurt the Sky, Gabriel Cohen bravely delves into his personal experience-along with insights from Buddhist masters, parables, humor, social science studies, and interviews with other divorces-to provide a practical and very helpful guide to surviving the pain of any break-up. Focusing on the emotions most common in the dissolution of a relationship-anger, resentment, loss, and grief -- Storms Can't Hurt the Sky shows how thinking about these feelings in surprisingly different ways can lead to a radically better experience. This compulsively readable book offers sound advice and much-needed empathy for anyone dealing with a break-up.




Men, Women, and the Mystery of Love


Book Description

Fr. Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II’s name before he became the pontiff in 1978) published Love and Responsibility in 1960. It revealed his fully formed philosophy of marriage and sheds light on the dynamics between men and women. Some consider his analysis of the true meaning of human love as life changing and practical, shedding light on real issues between men and women. This updated and expanded edition of Edward Sri’s classic meditation on Pope John Paul II’s Love and Responsibility includes a new introduction, new chapters for single people and engaged couples, and maybe most importantly the stories of people whose lives have been transformed by Pope John Paul II’s foundational teaching on relationships. “Edward Sri is a gifted teacher and an equally talented writer. This book shows why. He breaks open Karol Wojtyla's great text, Love and Responsibility, in a way that's clear, engaging and very practical for the challenges of daily life.” – Charles J. Chaput, OFM, Archbishop of Philadelphia. In Men, Women and the Mystery of Love, Edward Sri breaks down the contents of John Paul’s epic work, making it more accessible to the reader. It isn’t a manual on sexual ethics, more so a no-nonsense discussion on issues we face as couples. He emphasizes the down-to-earth nature of Love and Responsibility, giving readers actionable advice on issues like: How to determine if a relationship is one of authentic love or is doomed to failure; The problem of pornography; The meaning of friendship; How to achieve greater intimacy in marriage; The difference between feeling “I’m in love” and love itself; and so many other valuable questions. While this book is a great personal resource, it also can be used in a variety of situations like small group studies, marriage preparation classes, and other parish settings. It offers valuable advice for just about everyone, from young single adults and engaged couples to newlyweds and couples celebrating their 35th anniversary. Study questions with each chapter make this a valuable resource not only for individual personal reading, but also for small group study.




Rebuilding After Divorce


Book Description

Whether you've recently divorced or it's been a few years, you can rebuild a life rich in faith, hope, and lots of love. But first you'll need blueprints, clear directions to make your house a home again. Where should you start? By laying a solid foundation that will hold up under the drizzle of daily life and any raging storms that may come. And the cornerstone of that foundation is Christ. Whether you've recently divorced or it's been a few years, you can rebuild a life rich in faith, hope, and lots of love. But first you'll need blueprints, clear directions to make your house a home again. Where should you start? By laying a solid foundation that will hold up under the drizzle of daily life and any raging storms that may come. And the cornerstone of that foundation is Christ.




How to Get to "I Do"


Book Description

Ten years of eye-opening experiences on the Christian dating scene equipped Amy Bonaccorso to offer hard-hitting advice that will help you get real, get practical, and get married. As a happily married woman, she knows what works (internet dating), what doesn't (living a nun-like existence), and gives you the confidence to date strategically with an eye toward marriage. Forget about Prince Charming--he doesn't exist--but plenty of good men are waiting for a woman like you to throw away the checklist of idealized mate material and settle down with a real man.




Mending the Heart


Book Description

Dear friend: If you are seeking answers about the Catholic annulment process after having gone through the pain of divorce, my heart is with you. While you certainly want technical answers to questions about the “process,” you’re probably searching even more for answers to the aching questions that weigh heavy on your heart: How in the world did I end up here? How could God allow my marriage to end in divorce? Am I still accepted in my Church? And perhaps most importantly, Where do I go from here? These are critical questions, and you deserve honest answers. Rest assured, you are not alone. I speak from experience. I’ve been where you are and know what you are going through. In Mending the Heart: The Catholic Annulment Companion, I walk with you through the annulment process, taking a close look at the changes Pope Francis has made, and helping you discover ways to find hope and healing in the midst of heartbreak. Know that God wants to heal you through this process. He wants to bring triumph out of the pain you are experiencing now, and set you on the path to a new, deeply fulfilling life. In Christ, Lisa Duffy ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lisa Duffy is a Catholic author, speaker, and divorce recovery expert who experienced the tragedy of an unwanted divorce in the early 1990s. She has nearly 20 years of personal experience helping people rebuild their lives after divorce. Author of many books on divorce recovery and personal divorce recovery coach, she has also instituted the Journey of Hope program for Catholic divorce support groups in parishes across the United States and in Canada. Aside from her dedication to her family, Lisa speaks at conferences, appears on television and radio, coaches one-on-one and in groups, and holds online events. She resides in South Carolina with her husband and three children.




Remarriage in the Catholic Church


Book Description

Here the authors, as practicing Catholic clinicians, share their personal and professional experiences, as well as insightful recommendations for couples who are re-marrying. They seamlessly blend real-life stories, common sense, and the spiritual and sacramental values of the Catholic Church. Topics include: 1) marriage as a sacramental vocation; 2) ways to handle loss and grief issues after a marriage ends (due to divorce or death); 3) tips on self-forgiveness and reconciliation; 4) frank discussion of issues all couples must face; and 5) how to build and grow a healthy relationship.




A Place to Belong


Book Description

A Place to Belong: Letters from Catholic Women explores what it means to be a woman of faith today. Edited by Corynne Staresinic, the founder of the nonprofit The Catholic Woman, this stunning anthology of twenty-five deeply personal letters, wisdom from women saints, reflection questions, art, photography, and prayers will inspire you to live your femininity along your own unique life path as you find--and provide for others--a place to belong.




The Divorced Catholic's Guide to Parenting


Book Description

In The Divorced Catholic's Guide to Parenting, Catholic author, speaker, and licensed clinical professional counselor and pastoral counselor Lynn Cassella-Kapusinski, herself a child of divorce, takes parents step by step through these challenges. Drawing on her own story and professional experience, she helps Catholic parents walk with their children through the heartbreak of divorce into the healing, peace, and even joy that is possible in their lives. In this groundbreaking work, readers will: Uncover the emotional effects and challenges that divorce or separation may have on children and find concrete, developmentally appropriate ways to address them Understand common problems children face as a result of coparenting difficulties or a parent’s personal issues and learn how to communicate constructively about them Navigate circumstances that arise in the later stages of divorce when a parent is absent, or when one or both parents date or remarry Explore ways to use the divorce as a Catholic teaching tool on God, forgiveness, and the beauty of the Sacrament of Matrimony Find outside resources and additional support Throughout this book, Lynn's thoughtful advice reveals how the Catholic Faith and its teachings are the key to loving your children through divorce and preparing them to live full, joyful lives. "I commend Lynn Cassella-Kapusinski for shining light on a common, but difficult to address, topic. She offers wisdom for parents on how, with God's grace, to raise their children after the pain of separation. Not only does she communicate the teaching of the Church, but she also offers insightful, practical details, stemming from her own experience as a counselor, that will greatly benefit divorced parents in supporting and guiding their children." — Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila, Archdiocese of Denver "The Divorced Catholics Guide to Parenting is a welcome follow-up to Lynn's earlier works. Drawing from the best of the psychological sciences, the Church's teachings, and her own experiences, this newest addition demonstrates a thoughtful coincidence of wisdom with approachability and practicality. Lynn's book and ministry are great gifts to the Archdiocese of Baltimore and beyond." — Archbishop William E. Lori, Baltimore "Lynn Cassella-Kapusinski's book, The Divorced Catholic's Guide to Parenting, is an answer to the calling of the whole Christian community to accompany with attention and care those who have endured the effects of divorce. Offering professional and personal insights, it is a timely resource particularly to help treat and heal the wounds suffered by the most innocent and vulnerable — the children of divorce." — Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory, Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. "A very impressive, easy-to-use guide for divorced parents to help with their children's journey. Lynn shares her experience as a child of divorce and counselor to families and provides specific tools and the gifts of our Catholic Church to minimize the trauma of divorce for children. This guide addresses any stage your family is struggling through and can be revisited as dynamics change. As a Family Therapist, I recommend this book for parents who are looking for answers and support to ease the pain." — Kelly Klaus, MA, LMFT, Executive Director of Catholic Divorce Ministry "A remarkable book to aid divorced parents in pastorally walking with their child who has been affected by divorce. Lynn once more writes a great resource for families who seek healing. She provides practical and poignant steps that divorced parents can take to aid their child. Lynn captures the reality that it is faith in God that will be an anchor for all dealing with loss and pain." — Michael Donaldson, MTS, Parish Development Director, Saint Oscar Romero Catholic Community, Eastvale CA ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lynn Cassella-Kapusinski, LCPC, NCC, is a licensed clinical professional counselor, pastoral counselor, and a leading figure in Catholic pastoral care of children from divorced or separated families. Her work has been recognized by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and the Family, the Knights of Columbus, and various dioceses. She has appeared on EWTN and Relevant Radio and speaks at conferences around the country.