Step-Family Workshop

When two people come together in a second marriage, whether it is a second marriage for both or just one, it is usually more complicated than the beginning of a first marriage, especially if there are children involved. How can we treat the children equally? What about my ex-in laws? Have I put closure to my feelings over the annulment process? It takes work to resolve the day-to-day living differences and to acquire a feeling of "family."

The Step Family Workshop is designed to help couples through this sometimes difficult period. The Step Family workshop is designed for couples entering a second marriage or in the early stages of a second marriage. It is designed for people with children of all ages. Workshops are led by trained couples who have been through the Annulment Process and are in second marriages.

Areas of Concern

Ex-In- Laws
It seems like there are so many people involved in my children's lives, I don't know whether to encourage all these relationships or try to streamline things for them.


• Parenting
  His kids, her kids, custodial, non-custodial. How can we trust them all equally? Someone always seems to think they're getting short changed.



• Housing
  The experts say we should start in a new house. That's a great idea, but who can afford it?



• Ex-Spouse
  I thought once the divorce was behind us things would settle down. It still seems like every time I turn around we're negotiating something and it's not getting much easier.Old
  
  
• Friends
  I divorced my spouse. I didn't divorce my friends. However, my new marriage just doesn't seem to accommodate these old relationships.
  
  
• Communication
  I know poor communication was the ruination of my first marriage, but just wanting to be a good communicator does not magically make it happen.
  
  
• The Church
  Having church as part of our family life could really help us, but all this annulment business is such a hassle.



• Couple Maintenance
  Everything is just so complicated. How can we ever just relax and enjoy one another with all the problem solving we constantly have to do.

When:
The Step Family Workshop meets for three sessions. All three sessions are held in the same week. The first two sessions will meet on a weeknight from 7-9 pm; the third session will meet on the Saturday of the same week from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. The workshop is offered on as needed basis.

Where:
Diocesan Pastoral Center, 215 N. Westnedge Avenue, Kalamazoo.

Fee for the series:
$125 per couple.

Registration or Further Information:
Call (269) 349-8714 x 112/113
or email:jbodway@dioceseofkalamazoo.org