by Moira Cullings
moira.cullings@theleaven.org
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — “When the love that created you no longer exists, it creates a lot of struggles in how you face the world,” said Brad DuPont, lead consultant for the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life.
“Yet many times, this difficulty is never recognized by others,” he added, “so these children suffer in silence.”
Adult children of divorce (ACOD) are invited to seek healing through the Catholic ministry Life-Giving Wounds.
“This ministry in no way seeks to shame parents for getting divorced,” said DuPont, “but simply recognizes the need for healing in their children.
“When these wounds can be addressed and open to [the] healing love of Jesus, he can turn that suffering into a great good for the church.”
A Life-Giving Wounds retreat will be held from Jan. 17-19 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas.
Anyone age 18 and older whose parents are divorced, separated or were never married are invited to attend.
The weekend is peer-led, said DuPont, and will include talks that explore the six common wounds that ACODs experience, testimony of team members, Mass, eucharistic adoration, and opportunities for the sacrament of reconciliation, small groups and social time.
“Participants are offered an opportunity to have their own experience validated by others who have experienced similar things,” said DuPont.
“This weekend offers time and space for individuals to bring their own wounds to Jesus and have him minister to them,” he added.
Life-Giving Wounds is an apostolate founded by Bethany and Dan Meola to facilitate healing for ACODs.
“They found that there are specific wounds that adult children encounter that affect the way they relate to themselves, God and others,” said DuPont.
The Kansas City chapter was created in 2022. Since then, it’s offered two weekend retreats, two series of support groups and multiple other events for local participants.
“This fall, they kept the momentum going by offering monthly meetings with different topics,” said DuPont, “such as a movie night, an article discussion and even an Advent dinner social.”
Those who are interested in more information about the ministry’s upcoming support groups can contact DuPont by email at: bdupont@archkck.org.
For details and to register for the Life-Giving Wounds retreat, go online to: archkck.org/LGW. Scholarships are available.
