Understanding & Healing
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18).
Do you feel you don’t have a place in the Catholic Church or in our parish? Have life circumstances or the cultural and social pressures of society caused you to question your faith? Do you feel alone, unheard, unwelcome, or abandoned within the Church?
The Saint Joseph Parish community seeks to be a place where an abundance of love and Christ-centered hope can be found. Our parish wishes to offer care, compassion, and accompaniment to each individual in their journey of faith and understanding.
If you or someone you know is in need of guidance or healing, someone is here to provide a gentle listening ear, with confidentiality. Please email care@stjoeparish.com or feel free to reach out to one of our priests who are eager to provide pastoral guidance.
The resources below may also help you in your journey of faith.
Same-Sex Attraction
You are made in the image of God. You are first and foremost called by God into union with Him. When you were created, you were intentionally and lovingly designed by God, who declared you “good” just as you are. Who you are as a person is deeply needed by the Catholic Church and by our world.
Our diocesan website offers resources, community, and support as you become evermore who you were created to be. Ministries are offered for individuals (Courage) and family members (EnCourage). Visit
diocesefwsb.org/same-sex-attraction to learn more.
Sexual Addiction
If you struggle with a sexual addiction, you are not alone. You are invited to join other men in a community of support, encouragement, and healing in this fight for freedom.
Visit
diocesefwsb.org/augustine to learn more about the
Saint Augustine Men’s Group.
Victims of Sexual Misconduct or Abuse
If you or someone you know is the victim of sexual misconduct or abuse by a member of the clergy or anyone ministering on behalf of the Catholic Church, our diocese is here to help and listen. As part of its ongoing care for victims of sexual misconduct and abuse, the diocese offers pastoral support and counseling. Visit
diocesefwsb.org/pastoral-care to learn more.
Hope After Abortion
If you are hurting after an abortion, you are not alone. It’s normal to grieve a pregnancy loss, including loss through an abortion. It can form a hole in one’s heart, a hole so deep that sometimes it seems nothing can fill the emptiness. There is healing through God who is Love and Mercy.
Project Rachel is a post-abortion reconciliation program, offered by the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, that ministers and counsels individuals regardless of religious affiliation. A caring and trained companion offers you a safe place to tell your story and walk with you in your journey. For more information, visit
diocesefwsb.org/project-rachel.
Marriage Annulment
The
Tribunal of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend serves those interested in examining the validity of one’s marriage. However, because of the intensely pastoral nature of the Tribunal process, it is recommend to begin by contacting our parish priests who will help you during the entirety of the Tribunal procedure. Please see the Tribunal website linked above for additional information and resources. The
USCCB website also offers information that may be helpful.
