'Mercy after Divorce'

Assumption parish to offer ‘Experiencing God: Mercy after Divorce’ on Dec. 9

MORRISTOWN  Assumption Parish here will welcome Vince and Monica Frese on Wednesday, Dec. 9 as they share their personal experiences of God’s mercy through the difficult periods of their individual divorces and then subsequent marriage to each other during their presentation, “Experiencing God: Mercy after Divorce” at 7 p.m. in Assumption’s community room.

Part of Assumption’s Year of Mercy Advent Series, “Experiencing God” will feature Vince Frese, creator of the “Recovering from Divorce Program,” author of “Daily Inspirations for Divorced Catholics” and co-author of “Divorce. Catholic. Now What?,” and Monica Frese, author of “Prayers for Divorced Catholics.” They will share how God’s mercy became evident through the love, care and concern of others, prayer, and living the Catholic faith.

“This event will inform people of how the Catholic annulment process can be both a help and a healing — as told by the Freses, who have gone through it. As painful as it can be for people to relive their difficult marriages and divorces, the annulment process lets them get on with their lives in an expeditious manner and enables them to participate fully in the sacramental life of the Church.” said Msgr. John Hart, Assumption’s pastor, who plans to speak briefly about the annulment process before the Freses’ presentation. “I hope that this event encourages people, who have been putting off doing it, especially now since Pope Francis has simplified the process. However, the grounds for an annulment have not changed. There still has to be a valid reason for the Church to grant a declaration of nullity,” he said. Msgr. Hart serves as an Associate Judge in the Tribunal.

Both life-long Catholics, the Freses each experienced painful divorces before meeting each other. Having previously received their annulments, with three children each, they were married in 2007, blending their families. That experience made them realize God’s purpose for their marriage: to serve other divorced Catholics and help them recover and rebuild their lives by more fully learning and living their Catholic faith. Today, they minister to thousands of divorced Catholics worldwide through their website, www.divorcedcatholic.com, Catholic divorce support programs, books, workshops, conferences, blogs and web site. They have appeared on EWTN and Catholic radio. In September they participated in the Worldwide Meeting of Families on Philadelphia.

Msgr. Hart encourages local Catholics to inquire about seeking an annulment by contacting their parish priests first and, if more information is needed, or additional questions arise, they should contact the Diocesan Tribunal, under the leadership of Msgr. Edward Kurtyka, Judicial Vicar and also pastor of St. Paul Parish, Prospect Park. Assisting Msgr. Kurtyka are Msgr. Joseph Anginoli, Adjutant Judicial Vicar and also pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Mendham, and Father Marc Mancini, Vice Chancellor/Associate Judge and also pastor of St. Therese Parish, Succasunna. “Everyone in the Tribunal is knowledgeable, proficient and compassionate; they want to help people,” Msgr. Hart said.

Light refreshments will be served at “Experiencing God: Mercy after Divorce.” There is no cost for admission.

[To register, email [email protected] or call (973) 539-2141.]