Pastoral Care

Our faith calls us to realize that we are communal people on a faith journey. We need the support of each other in times of difficulty and transition. Listed below are ministries that seek to respond to families in need of support.

Family Ministries Counseling Services

Services are provided to individuals, couples and families who are experiencing relational problems, loss or moving through transitions. The clinic is located at the Maloney Center (1200 South Shelby Street). Fees are based on a generous sliding scale made possible by the Catholic Services Appeal. For information or scheduling, call 502/636-1044 or e-mail counseling@archlou.org.

Project Rachel – a Post-Abortion Ministry

Reconciliation and healing for those who are in pain from an abortion experience.
“Rachel mourns her children; she refuses to be consoled because her children are no more. Thus says the Lord: Cease your cries of mourning. Wipe the tears from your eyes. The sorrow you have shown shall have its reward … There is hope for your children.” -Jeremiah 31:15-47

A Loving, Forgiving Church

Without a doubt, abortion is one of the most traumatic experiences for an individual.

Both before and after abortion, feelings of fear, anxiety, guilt and pain are common — not only for the woman who undergoes the abortion, but also for the unborn child’s father, grandparents, other relatives, close friends of the parents, even medical personnel involved in the process.

The pain of abortion can be intensified by a sense of alienation from God and Church. If you are in this position, you need to know and believe healing and reconciliation really reside in the heart of the Church, in the heart of Christ.

Project Rachel is a sensitive, private and confidential experience. It helps a person cope with the emotional pain and to reclaim a sense of self-worth and trust in God’s unconditional forgiveness. It offers counseling within a religious context and includes the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the Catholic who wishes to receive it.

Support is available from priests, counselors, women who have had abortions and post-abortion groups.

If you or someone you know is struggling with the pain from an abortion experience, we invite you to call this confidential number: 502-471-2155.

Resources:

Hopeafterabortion.com

Support for Adults When a Loved One Has Died

On With Life is a support group for the widowed. Meetings are held on the first Monday of the month at St. Pius X and on the third Tuesday at St. Denis. Both begin at 7:30 p.m. For additional information, contact Family Ministries at 502/636-0296 or family@archlou.org.

Widow or Widowers (WOW) primarily addresses the social needs of the widowed. Monthly meetings are on the third Tuesday of the month at St. Stephen Martyr. Orientation for newcomers is at 7 p.m.; the meeting begins at 7:30. For additional information, contact Family Ministries at 502/636-0296 or family@archlou.org.

Family Ministries Counseling – for information, call 502-636-1044 or e-mail counseling@archlou.org.

Mass of Hope – This special Mass of Hope for Those Mourning the Loss of a Child will be held at St. Barnabas Church, 3042 Hikes Lane, on September 7, 2011 at 7 p.m. This gathering of support and love is especially for parents, siblings and others affected by the loss. For more information, contact Jocelyn Frazier at Family Ministries, 502-636-0296, ext. 1244.

Links

There are additional support systems available in the community. If you would like more information, please contact us at 502/636-0296 or family@archlou.org.

BeFriender Ministry

This parish, pastoral care ministry provides a listening ear for individuals/families in all kinds of difficult and transitional situations. For additional information on training parish leadership teams, contact Family Ministries, 502/636-0296.

Click here to visit the National BeFriender website.

Retrouvaille – a Lifeline for Troubled Marriages

Retrouvaille – A Lifeline for Troubled Marriages

Couples of all ages, lifestyles and ethnic backgrounds come to this weekend. Some have already separated or divorced, but want to try again. Many are struggling to stay together. Common among all the couples is a sincere desire to build a stable, loving marriage. This program offers the tools for this to happen.

The weekend experience is combined with a series of six post-weekend sessions over three months. The main emphasis of the program is on communication between husband and wife as they examine their lives together in a new and positive way.

Louisville Weekend Dates

2012

March 2-4
September 21-23

Mount Saint Francis, Indiana

For information about a weekend or Retrouvaille locally, call 502/479-3329 and someone will return your call.

For general information and weekends across the nation, visit the Retrouvaille web site.
News Notes
American Retrouvaille Couple appointed consultors for Pontifical Council for the Family

Support for Adults Who Have Experienced Divorce or Separation

New Beginnings — A like-to-like support group offering understanding, encouragement, friendship and acceptance to the divorced, widowed and separated. The group meets on Thursdays at 7 p.m. at Church of the Epiphany. Call 502/425-2772 for information.

Divorce Care – A support group for divorced or separated individuals. The goal is to find help for the hurting, discover hope for the future and experience God’s healing. An information session will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 15, 2012 at Saint Thomas More Parish’s Religious Education Building (next to what was the school), 226 Inverness Avenue. Groups will meet on Thursdays for 12 more weeks. No registration required. Call Pat Finck, 502-366-1463, for more information.

Family Ministries Counseling – for information call, 502-636-1044.

Resources

Nullity Workshops

For information on the annulment process or for nullity workshop dates, contact the Tribunal at 502/585-3291 or tribunal@archlou.org.

To receive a free booklet entitled, “Common Questions and Answers About Marriage, Divorce and Nullity in the Catholic Church,” please contact us at family@archlou.org.

Gennesaret Retreat Weekends

 


This weekend retreat is designed for persons who live with chronic, life-threatening illness; it provides rest, prayerful reflection and conferences. Daily Eucharist is celebrated, and the Sacrament of the Sick is offered.

 

An experienced nursing staff is present, and additional team members provide hospitality, companionship and personal assistance.

Because of the generosity of many friends, there is no cost.

If you or a loved one are interested in participating in this unique retreat opportunity, or would like more information, click here.

Resources