3 Big Mistakes Divorced Catholics Make Trying To Find A New Relationship

Last updated on: October 19, 2016 at 7:00 am by Lisa Duffy

3 Big Mistakes Divorced Catholics Make Trying To Find A New Relationship 2016-10-17T08:42:53-04:00 Lisa Duffy

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1. Not Being Truly Free To Date

This applies in two ways: First, it’s really hard to be free to give your heart away if it’s full of anger and resentment toward your ex-spouse. When you hold on to those emotions, your heart becomes like a little prison where the ones who have hurt you are kept captive – and they keep your heart captive. There’s no freedom to love someone new.

And second, as a Catholic, you need to have a decree of nullity (annulment) before you begin dating after divorce. Why is that little piece of paper so important? Because all marriages are considered to be valid/sacramental unless proven otherwise by the annulment process. Only a decree of nullity (annulment) could determine whether a valid/sacramen-tal bond existed between you and your ex-spouse.

But my goal is not to discourage you, I want to help you find the happiness you’re seeking. And, I am confident I can do this because I’ve walked in your shoes. I know how tough it is, and despite it all, I’ve made it through to the other side. I’ve been happily remarried in the Church for 16 years and the “divorced” chapter of my life is now but a faded memory.

My suggestion to get you started on the path to finding healing, hope for the future, and being prepared for a new relationship (if that’s what you desire) is to start by slowing down and giving yourself the gift of time. Healing is a process and to achieve it, you must take time to focus on yourself. When you allow yourself to really process all that has happened, learn the lessons and find forgiveness for those who have hurt you, you will naturally become a much happier, satisfied person.

A perfect way to focus on yourself in a positive and uplifting way is to come be a part of the Journey of Hope Conference for Divorce Recovery. The Journey of Hope Conferences are specifically designed to offer much needed support to the divorced men and women through offering compassionate and inspiring speakers, uplifting music, good food, and fellowship with other Catholics who understand the divorce experience first-hand. It is the perfect place to find hope, refreshment, and a new chapter in life.

Because I know first-hand how amazing these conferences are, I encourage you to register as soon as possible. In my pledge to bring you the best tools for healing and growing in faith, I know this event will be a transformational event for you. I hope you will gift yourself this wonderful experience.

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Lisa Duffy

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