CHARLESTON – For those wondering “where do I fit in” in the Catholic Church after separation or divorce – make plans to attend The Olive Branch program, April 25th from 8:30 am to 4 pm at St. John XXIII Pastoral Center, 100 Hodges Road, Charleston.
The Olive Branch is designed to offer information and resources to aid in achieving personal and spiritual growth while navigating the complicated and painful process of separation or divorce.
Director of Social Ministries for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, Kathy Barton, has been working to kick off the program since she was hired three years ago. She knew from personal experience that there are so many misconceptions out there, misinformation leading people away from their faith, and complications too heavy to handle when the “happily ever after” marriage has crumbled.
She said, Olive Branch is a gentle reminder that you need not go through this journey alone and that peace and new life are promised to those who remain faithful.
This program is created to be the “olive branch” of restored faith and hope in the midst of the storm.
This is the second regional event for Olive Branch with the first held in October in Wheeling. Olive Branch Ministry is respectfully open for Catholic and non-Catholic individuals, and it is not intended to be counseling for couples. Instead, it is a faith-based program for individuals going through the pain of separation or divorce to find the love, mercy, and empathy of the Catholic faith, she said.
Barton reminds us that in “Genesis, Chapter 8, ‘the olive branch’ is a symbol of new life. As the story goes, the olive branch, which was brought to Noah by a dove, was the first real sign that the flood was subsiding and that there was indeed new life beyond the storm. This simple tangible sign renewed in Noah the faith that he needed to continue his journey of suffering and hardship with the belief, hope, and confidence that his suffering would one day pass.
“We all go through storms in our lives,” Barton said. “Sometimes these storms can be very dark, lonely, and frightening. It is at this time that we need our faith to be rock solid. Yet all too often, it is at this time that we are so exhausted and frightened that our faith turns to confusion and doubt…. However, it is with God’s guidance and only with Him that we are able to weather and navigate the storms in our lives with certainty of arriving at our intended destination.”
She said, it is the hope of everyone working behind the scenes to create this program that those who are separated or divorced will see it as a reminder that “we are not alone and that our destination is in His hands. We need to merely stay the course and find our way back home to The Lord.”
April 25th will be a day of opportunity to find hope and healing.
Olive Branch is a much-needed moment of compassion, understanding, and practical support, reminding us that no one has to walk through these chapters alone, Barton said.
Very Rev. Donald X. Higgs, Associate Vicar of Clergy, Vicar Forane for the Charleston Vicariate, and rector of the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Charleston, will address “What can I still do in the Church? Am I still welcome.”
He encourages anyone who is dealing with the pain of separation/divorce to be a part of this day.
Professional counselor, Donna L. Niggemeyer, M.Ed., LPC, of Christian Counseling Associates, will help attendees take a step back in order to confidently move forward with her, “How did we get here” talk.
“I am honored to participate in a ministry with the vision and purpose of advancing God’s kingdom,” Niggemeyer said, as she noted she is grateful that this is the second opportunity of what she hopes will be many for the diocese and Barton’s office as they reach out to extend much-needed support. “I look forward to participation in future planned events with the Olive Branch Ministry, a faith-based approach, providing a structured, supportive, loving, and faith-focused community during a challenging time.”
Barton will wrap up the gathering with “What does forgiveness look like?” Additionally, she will encourage all to “Give it to HIM.”
Barton said, Olive Branch has been set up to be a diocesan-wide initiative.
“Our Catholic brothers and sisters are not on this journey alone,” she said. “There are many in these shoes we never planned to be in. By extending the Olive Branch, we hope those who accept it find a space of peace find faith renewed.”
The April event is free, but registration is required in order to prepare for refreshments, lunch, and materials.
For more information and to register, go to: http://dwc.org/the-olive-branch/
