Marriage Preparation

Marriage Enrichment

Family Enrichment

Consolation Ministries

      » Separated/Divorced
      » Bereavement
      » Rainbows for Children
      » Beginning Experience
      » Annulment Info
      » Widows/Widowers

Diocese of Metuchen P.O. Box 191 Metuchen, NJ  08840 Tel: (732) 562-1990 Ext. 1624 & 1623 Fax: (732) 562-1018

   Consolation Ministries

Ministry to Separated or Divorced

The Office of Family Life Ministry provides support and encouragement to "hurting" members of the Church community. The Church shows concern and embraces all her members by offering support groups throughout the diocese. In addition, the Family Life Office, with assistance from the Tribunal, sponsors informative programs dealing with the process of securing church annulments.

On a parish level, the Office of Family Life Ministry has been involved in the selection and training of facilitators for small support groups.  The groups serve as a beacon of hope and source of strength for those overwhelmed with the pain and fear associated with the dissolution of a marriage relationship.  The groups provide the setting for hurting people to verbalize and share their anxieties and feelings with others who are in similar circumstances.  The groups meet weekly for a period of six to eight weeks. 

»» Click here for a list of support groups

Besides the small support groups which can provide immediate support for the initial struggle and pain associated with divorce, the Office of Family Life Ministry supports and directs some larger groups.  These groups meet in a social setting where their unique needs can be addressed by way of informational programs, sharing experiences, social interaction and religious celebrations.  The groups generally meet on a monthly basis.  Information concerning the location of these larger groups can be obtained by calling the Office of Family Life Ministry.

Ministry to the Bereaved

The Office of Family Life Ministry provides support and encouragement to those individuals who have lost a loved one through death.  Support groups are available throughout the diocese for persons in the initial stages of grief. 

Questions? Email Judy Psota

»» Click here for a list of support groups

to top

Rainbows for Children

Rainbows is a peer support group for children (ages 4 - 14) experiencing a significant loss, illness or other painful transition within their family. With the assistance of a facilitator children will learn to put their feelings into words and begin the process of working through their grief.

»» Click here for a list of support groups

Beginning Experience Weekend

Beginning Experience is an international ministry for divorced, separated and widowed individuals.  It is an invitational process that is intended to facilitate the resolution of grief, promote healing and thereby free people to live and love themselves, others and God.  See the calendar for the next weekend date.

to top

Annulment Information Evenings

Annulment information evenings are held twice a year during which time staff members of the Diocesan Tribunal present accurate and detailed information on the annulment process. For information regarding the next sheduled session please contact the Family Life Office.

For additional information on annulments, please visit the Tribunal Office page.

Next Session: To Be Announced
St. John Neumann Diocesan Center, Piscataway
Two sessions offered simultaneously - English (Conf. C & D) & Spanish (Conf. A & B)- call to register - no fee

to top

Groups for Widows and Widowers

A number of WOW's groups are located within the diocese.  They each have their own set of officers but receive support and direction from the Family Life Office.  They generally run social activities each month for their members and invited guests.

To secure membership information, contact the membership chairperson below:

to top