Our bishops have designated this week as National Marriage Week (click here).  Worldwide Marriage Encounter calls upon us to celebrate World Marriage Day (click here) on February 14th which is also St. Valentine's Day.

     Beyond these celebrations we can learn more about marriage by visiting https://www.foryourmarriage.org/.  There's also a good series called Beloved at Formed.org (click here).

     We haven't had too many weddings at St. John's because of the pandemic.  Pray for me that I can catch up with office work so that I can reach out to the several couples who have expressed interest.

     I watch two shows on EWTN to learn more about psychology.  One is Sunday Night Prime with Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR.  The other is Living Right with Dr. Ray (https://www.drray.com/).  Dr. Ray Guarendi once interviewed Rose Sweet (https://rosesweet.com/) about her ministry to those who have divorced.  I put her website on my list of things to research.  To my great surprise, I received a letter from our parishioner, Pat Kologe, about Surviving Divorce which is based on Rose Sweet's books.  The coordinator, Michele Coppola Wilson, has worked with Rose Sweet.  So, I signed us up to host this new ministry.  Below is the advertisement for the information night.

God love you,

Fr. Jim

     St. John’s in Lakehurst is pleased to announce that a new ministry is coming to the parish for Divorced and/or Separated Catholics.  It is called “Surviving Divorce: Hope and Healing for the Catholic Family” (www.catholicsdivorce.com).  It is a continuing ministry that has been available in other parishes and now Father Jim O’Neill has joined in this effort by allowing us to host this much needed program at St. John’s, with the help of a fellow parishioner, Pat Kologe.  Pat has been trained as a Certified Facilitator for this ministry. The Director of Divorce Ministries, Michele Coppola Wilson, has received a Letter of Suitability from Bishop O’Connell to run this program at parishes throughout the Diocese of Trenton.  
     St. John’s will be hosting an Information Night on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm in the Parish Hall of St. John’s which can be found by entering the canopy entrance at the back of the church located at 619 Chestnut Street in Lakehurst.
     This Information Night will help you decide if you would like to attend our upcoming 12-week program starting in March of 2021 on Tuesday nights.  All the details will be provided to you at the Information Night.  We hope you can make it!
     Anyone that needs help in finding peace and healing from divorce, whether you are separated, considering divorce, or are already divorced, will discover how to work through emotions and pain, and experience personal healing and hope. Gain wisdom and comfort from others who share your experiences.  Address questions of forgiveness and new family dynamics.  Obtain an understanding of the annulment process.  Join us on this powerful journey to hope and healing!  
     All are welcome!  
     If interested, please email Michele Coppola Wilson, Director of Divorce Ministries, at healyourheartfromdivorce@gmail.com.  Thank you for taking the first step towards healing!