Ministry focuses on healing after separation, divorce
By Tami S. Scott
Editor
When a marriage ends, so do the hopes and dreams that came with it. You once envisioned spending the rest of your life in love — celebrating milestones, raising children, and growing old together. You never expected it to be easy, but you believed your love would carry you through.
When a marriage ends, no matter the reason, it shatters your heart and leaves you questioning when things began to unravel — and why.
Patty Jowett
The Family/Respect Life Office of the Syracuse Diocese offers a healing ministry to people in need of support as they navigate unfamiliar emotions and learn healthy coping skills to move forward. Branch Out and Grow, in collaboration with DivorceCare, an established program recognized globally, meets twice a month over Zoom. Each session discusses one of 13 topics, such as Anger, Grief and Depression, Single Living, the Road to Recovery, and Brighter Days. The meetings are accompanied by a video related to that week’s topic. Currently, there are 26 registered participants.
Patty Jowett, of Syracuse, went through the program 15 years ago when she and her husband were separated. A friend of hers was attending the meetings, which were in-person at the time, and told her about Branch Out and Grow. He recommended that Jowett join the group, and she did. “It helped me immensely,” she told The Catholic Sun.
Jowett, now the program coordinator in Syracuse for more than five years, has seen firsthand how much the program benefits those who were once hurting. “It’s a very healing ministry,” she added. “It brings light into a place of darkness. I see [people] from the day they come in until the day that might be their last meeting. I see them smile and [I see them] cry. They don’t want to talk about it, but they open up finally, and they help each other. They want to be there.”
Jowett emphasized that no one is pressured to share their story. Participants are invited to join, listen, and — if and when they feel comfortable — share. There is no counseling and no judgment, just people sharing their experiences and what may or may not have worked for them. Though it follows a structured curriculum, the setting is informal and fosters many friendships rooted in solidarity and compassion.
Of significant importance is that you can complete the 13 sessions and choose to repeat the program as often as you need. “Graduation” is based on your timeline.
Dorothy Bahadur, formerly of Syracuse, joined Branch Out and Grow in 2023. “This is my fourth cycle through the program,” she said. “Each time I learn something new. I am in a different place in life each go-round, so I’m able to hear and understand things differently.”
Bahadur started attending the group shortly after her husband left her.
“At that time, I was just numb and didn’t know what to think or feel. For me, [healing] was more like a gradual process. Baby steps … Then I started taking bigger steps toward healing and independence,” she said. “As I looked at what I was able to accomplish on my own, I came to realize I could get through this. I could survive. I realized I can, indeed, do all things through Christ who strengthens me. He is where my help comes from, and part of the help He has provided is this group.”
In line with Jowett’s description of a caring community, Bahadur remarked on the relationships she too has built on her journey. And because the meetings are online, they can also be far-reaching.
“We are all from different parts of the country, and I have never met any of them in person, but I feel a very strong bond with these men and women. I feel like we grow together through the process. We support and pray for each other.
“Learning that others have gone through similar things and feelings makes such a big difference,” she emphasized.
Having relocated to South Carolina, Bahadur is now facilitating her own group. She strongly encourages anyone going through a separation or divorce to find a group and participate in at least one full cycle. Each time you repeat it, you gain more insight, she said.
Jowett, speaking on behalf of those hesitant to take this step, suggests attending at least one or two meetings. “Try a couple of different topics and get to know how the group operates and what they say,” she said, allowing time and familiarity to help discern whether the program is right for you.
For more information on Branch Out and Grow, contact Patty Jowett via email at pjowett@syrdio.org or call her at 315-720-7008.
Upcoming topic sessions
Wednesday evenings, 6-8 p.m.
Jan. 21: Conflict
Feb. 4: Forgiveness
Feb. 18: Your Former Spouse
March 4: Single Living
March 18: Brighter Days
April 1: Deep Hurt
