What It Is

Journey of Hope is a 17-session Catholic recovery program created in 2001 for separated and divorced adults. It pairs clear teaching on Church doctrine with real stories of healing, so participants feel accompanied—not judged, and not left guessing what the Church actually says. The program ministers to the suffering of divorced Catholics while upholding the sanctity and permanence of marriage; it does not condone or promote divorce. 

Its mission is support, healing, and hope through the truths of the faith and the Works of Mercy of accompanying those who suffer.

Who Leads

An ideal facilitator is a practicing Catholic who has healed from divorce (and, when possible, walked the annulment process) and knows Church teaching on marriage, divorce, and nullity. Leaders who have not been divorced can also serve well if they are compassionate, well-formed in teaching, and ready to walk with those who are hurting. Groups typically begin with the pastor’s permission—or approval from a diocesan Family Life office when the ministry is offered at the diocesan level.

Materials for In-Person Groups

The Materials are used for weekly gatherings and include:

• The book Divorced. Catholic. Now What?
• The companion workbook
• Voices of Hope DVD (stories from Catholics who have lived this path, plus clergy and counseling voices)
• Group Leader Guide and training videos

Participants usually read a chapter before each meeting, watch the matching video chapter as a group at the meeting, then discuss. 

How to Start

1. Speak with your pastor (or diocesan Family Life director).
2. Purchase program materials for leaders and participants.
3. Use the Group Leaders Guide and online training videos to prepare. Personal support from founder Lisa Duffy is available.
4. Invite separated and divorced parishioners with warmth and clarity—many are already looking for a Catholic place to heal.

A Note for Pastors & Dioceses

Parish leaders across the US and Canada describe Journey of Hope as rich, true to the Magisterium, and practical for real pastoral need. It gives your community a structured path—answers about the sacraments, annulment confusion, forgiveness, children, and dating—without inventing a parallel theology. Offering this ministry tells wounded members: the Church has not forgotten you.

Training & Ongoing Support

Implementation is designed to be straightforward. Training manuals, training videos, and access to personal support from Lisa Duffy help new leaders begin with confidence.

English & Spanish

The program is available in English and Spanish for both in-person materials and online subscriptions—so you can serve more of your parish family in the language they pray in.