Single Again - President's message

Message From the President: Summer / Fall 2002

I feel as if I'm a student returning from summer vacation and can't wait to write my
"what I did during my time off". My good friend, Myra Fecteau and I drove to
Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana for the NACSDC
(North American Conference of Separated and Divorced Catholics) conference
which is held the last week in June each year.
It was my first experience and what a one it was !
Daily key note speakers offered different perspectives from: "Bringing Christ
to the Brokenhearted" to "Single Again and Secure in God's Love".
Over 25 workshops presenting topics of forgiveness, relationships, family and remarriage,
and abusive relationships were provided. The conference began with the prestigious
James J. Young Award being presented to Carrie Hansen, LCSW-C, a Silver Spring resident and our Columbia Conference colleague, for her untiring contributions to all levels of
divorce recovery ministry both regionally and nationally. This was followed by a procession led by Carrie to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart for the liturgy celebration by the NACSDC chaplain, Fr. Anthony Palazzolo and then onto the Women of the Well sculpture located
on the campus. The following night we were treated to a wonderful, uplifting concert
featuring Vince Ambrosetti, 2001 Christian Artist of the Year. Vince was also joined be the powerful voice of Shelly Jacobs, a nationally known recording artist. A candlelight
procession to the acclaimed Grotto to Our Lady was the highlight after the Saturday dinner dance. The conference concluded on Sunday morning with a spirited celebration of the liturgy with music led by Shelly Jacobs. One of the results of this national conference is
that Myra is now our NACSDC regional representative and also will hold a position on the national board as well. We offer Myra our congratulations and support all her efforts.

On a local level, John Rudy, Myra Fecteau and myself have been meeting with small parish groups as well as Parish Councils to bring the message of the Single Again Ministry. Our outreach has taken us to St. Margaret's in Bel Air, St. John's in Westminster, St. Joseph's in Fullerton, St. Casimer's in Canton and in August we are scheduled to visit St. Jude's Shrine, and Our Lady of the Fields in Millersville.

In closing, I want to personally thank Charlotte Kemper for filling the recording secretary position, and Marcy Krause for all her efforts in the position of Together We Can Make It Program Coordinator over the last year.

I also want to welcome Myra Fecteau as the new coordinator for this program
which benefits so many hurting men and women. A reminder for those who are ready
to give back, that Facilitator Training will be held on October 19th at Loyola College's
Graduate Center in Timonium. We are so blessed to have Dotty Levesque join us again
to lead this training. Since opportunities are unfolding to have the Together We Can Make It program in a number of new parishes, the need for facilitators is critical.
Please consider this possibility . . . we will help you along - taking baby steps.

Mary Ann Leard

410 - 485 - 8313
E-mail: singleagaincouncil@yahoo.com
www.singleagain.itgo.com