The Divorced Catholic's Guide to Parenting

Book excerpt: In The Divorced Catholic's Guide to Parenting, Catholic author, speaker, and licensed clinical professional counselor and pastoral counselor Lynn Cassella-Kapusinski, herself a child of divorce, takes parents step by step through these challenges. Drawing on her own story and professional experience, she helps Catholic parents walk with their children through the heartbreak of divorce into the healing, peace, and even joy that is possible in their lives. In this groundbreaking work, readers will: Uncover the emotional effects and challenges that divorce or separation may have on children and find concrete, developmentally appropriate ways to address them Understand common problems children face as a result of coparenting difficulties or a parent’s personal issues and learn how to communicate constructively about them Navigate circumstances that arise in the later stages of divorce when a parent is absent, or when one or both parents date or remarry Explore ways to use the divorce as a Catholic teaching tool on God, forgiveness, and the beauty of the Sacrament of Matrimony Find outside resources and additional support Throughout this book, Lynn's thoughtful advice reveals how the Catholic Faith and its teachings are the key to loving your children through divorce and preparing them to live full, joyful lives. "I commend Lynn Cassella-Kapusinski for shining light on a common, but difficult to address, topic. She offers wisdom for parents on how, with God's grace, to raise their children after the pain of separation. Not only does she communicate the teaching of the Church, but she also offers insightful, practical details, stemming from her own experience as a counselor, that will greatly benefit divorced parents in supporting and guiding their children." — Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila, Archdiocese of Denver "The Divorced Catholics Guide to Parenting is a welcome follow-up to Lynn's earlier works. Drawing from the best of the psychological sciences, the Church's teachings, and her own experiences, this newest addition demonstrates a thoughtful coincidence of wisdom with approachability and practicality. Lynn's book and ministry are great gifts to the Archdiocese of Baltimore and beyond." — Archbishop William E. Lori, Baltimore "Lynn Cassella-Kapusinski's book, The Divorced Catholic's Guide to Parenting, is an answer to the calling of the whole Christian community to accompany with attention and care those who have endured the effects of divorce. Offering professional and personal insights, it is a timely resource particularly to help treat and heal the wounds suffered by the most innocent and vulnerable — the children of divorce." — Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory, Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. "A very impressive, easy-to-use guide for divorced parents to help with their children's journey. Lynn shares her experience as a child of divorce and counselor to families and provides specific tools and the gifts of our Catholic Church to minimize the trauma of divorce for children. This guide addresses any stage your family is struggling through and can be revisited as dynamics change. As a Family Therapist, I recommend this book for parents who are looking for answers and support to ease the pain." — Kelly Klaus, MA, LMFT, Executive Director of Catholic Divorce Ministry "A remarkable book to aid divorced parents in pastorally walking with their child who has been affected by divorce. Lynn once more writes a great resource for families who seek healing. She provides practical and poignant steps that divorced parents can take to aid their child. Lynn captures the reality that it is faith in God that will be an anchor for all dealing with loss and pain." — Michael Donaldson, MTS, Parish Development Director, Saint Oscar Romero Catholic Community, Eastvale CA ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lynn Cassella-Kapusinski, LCPC, NCC, is a licensed clinical professional counselor, pastoral counselor, and a leading figure in Catholic pastoral care of children from divorced or separated families. Her work has been recognized by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and the Family, the Knights of Columbus, and various dioceses. She has appeared on EWTN and Relevant Radio and speaks at conferences around the country.