Posted February 9, 2015 Book: Catholic Prayer Book for Separated and Divorced Authors: Woodeene Koenig-Bricker and David Dziena Our Sunday Visitor. Huntington, IN. 2014. Pp. 79 An Excerpt from the Jacket: Catholic Prayer Book for the Separated and Divorced is full of brief prayers for real-life struggles and situations including: Anger, depression, and isolation Coping with the effects on children - your own, as well as stepchildren Grappling with less-than-peaceful interactions with former spouses How to forgive yourself, find closure, and let go For yourself, an adult child, a friend, or someone in your parish --- these simple prayers can help the separated and divorced find comfort, courage, and the conviction to move ahead confidently with the grace that comes from their Catholic faith. Prayer of Saint John XXIII for Fathers "Real fatherhood means love and commitment and sacrifice . . .to share responsibility and not walking away from one's children." William Bennett Saint Joseph, guardian of Jesus and chaste husband of Mary, You passed your life in loving fulfillment of duty. You supported the holy family of Nazareth With the work of your hands. Kindly protect those who trustingly come to you. You know their aspirations, Their hardships, their hopes. They look to you because they know You will understand and protect them. You too knew trial, labor, and weariness. But amid the worries of material life, Your soul was full of deep peace and sang out in true joy Through intimacy with God's Son entrusted to you and With Mary, his tender Mother. Assure those you protect that they do not labor alone. Teach them to find Jesus near them and to watch Over him faithfully as you have done. Amen Many divorced fathers, do not see their children every day. Think about ways you can parent, coach, affirm and love even from afar. Healing doesn't mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls your life." Akshay Dubey "You can't start the next chapter of your life if you keep rereading the last one." Unknown Pope Francis has said, "Never let the past determine your life . . .always look forward." Pray for the ability to let go of past mistakes or sins. Free yourself of guilt, or of what could have been. Learn from the past, but live in the present. Table of Contents: Part 1: Prayers for the five stages of loss and grief Denial and isolation Anger Bargaining Depression Acceptance Part 2: Prayers for my children For my kids Guardian Angel prayer to watch over my children For my stepchildren For when stepparents and stepchildren fight For when you don't get along with your stepchildren For patience with my children Prayer when my former spouse is causing scandal for my children Prayer for peaceful interaction with my former spouse Blessing for children departing for the other parent's home Part 3: Traditional prayers and devotions Making a spiritual communion when I cannot receive communion The Lord's prayer The Apostles' Creed Glory be Prayers to the Holy Spirit Prayers to Mary Rosary for the separated and divorced The Divine Mercy Chaplet Pope Francis's prayer to our Lady Undoer of Knots Psalms Prayer of Pope Saint John XXIII for fathers Litany to Saint Joseph, Patron saint of fathers Te Deum Act of faith, hope and love Act of contrition Part 4: Personal prayers and reflections For patience For humility For courage For dealing with adversity For healing For letting go For peace For ending gossip and the sin of detraction For my former spouse/partner For forgiveness of self For my new relationship/spouse For overcoming difficult times For overcoming hate For trust For hope For help and healing during the divorce and annulment process For those I've lost and who have been hurt through my separation/divorce A prayer for grandparents Part 5: Prayers for the intercession of the patron saints of the separated/divorced Saint Helena Saint Fabiola Saint Guntramnus Saint Eugene de Mazenod