LEWISTON – Catholic Charities Maine Family Life Institute will offer an eight-week support group for those who are divorced or in the process of divorcing beginning Tuesday, March 20, at Holy Cross Church.

The program, which is used throughout the country, is called “Divorce and Beyond.” Participants use a faith-based book to discuss the difficulties and emotions that occur during and after a divorce.

The goal is to bring hope and healing from the pain of divorce. Group members have the opportunity to share feelings, experiences and insights based on the topic being discussed each week.

Topics will include self-image, stress, anger, blame and guilt, loneliness, forgiveness and hope. The group will be facilitated by two people who have been trained by the Family Life Institute to provide a safe, caring and compassionate atmosphere where participants will feel comfortable listening and sharing with others.

The group experience is an opportunity to move beyond the pain by sharing with others who are going through the same thing. Sessions will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays.

The group is open to the public of all faiths, but it is necessary to register for the program. To help create and maintain a safe atmosphere for sharing, no new participants are allowed after the second session. The cost for the program is $20.

For more information and to register, contact Catholic Charities Maine Family Life Institute at 1-800-CARE-002, ext. 772, or e-mail familylifeinstitute@ccmaine.org.