PROVIDENCE — Where can single, widowed, separated and divorced faith-filled men and women gather to share their spiritual journey and celebrate life, strengthen their participation in church life and build solid relationships with like-minded individuals?
Since 2000, the diocesan Office of Life and Family Ministry has sponsored Connected Catholics, a group that offers single adults an opportunity to meet others who share similar beliefs and goals and who don’t want to attend religious and social events alone.
“This is not a dating service,” emphasized Lynda Notte, the office’s pastoral care coordinator. “It is a faith-based group started by Catholics, although people from other denominations are welcome to join.”
Connected Catholic’s co-founder, Richard Chamberlin, said an article that appeared in a local newspaper in 1999 about ministering to single people of faith served as an impetus for organizing the group. He was assisted by Dorothy Levesque, the former supervisor in the Family Life office, whose ministry included working with separated, divorced and widowed Catholics.
“I felt that this is what I was called to do,” said Chamberlin, a West Greenwich resident, and Eucharistic minister and lector at Our Lady of Loreto Church, East Providence. “This is my calling.”
He added that the participation in the group often helps people get to “the next phase of their lives”— after the grieving process, as they work to resume a sense of normalcy.
Most of the members are in their 40s or 50s, and since many work, most activities are held on weekends or at night. While the number of participants varies from year to year, a few of the group’s original members still gather for weekly activities and special events. Everyone is invited to help plan spiritual programs, which are usually held in private homes, or social events, ranging from Saturday afternoon movies to meeting for dinner at local restaurants.
“Being alone is very difficult and challenging,” the group’s founder emphasized. “It’s very strengthening to have others who are in the same situation that you can relate to.”
Chamberlin said that many members have developed trusting friendships within the group, and are supportive of each other.
“We all know how difficult it is to take the first step,” he noted.
During Lent, Connected Catholics will meet on three Saturday afternoons for a Lenten discussion series, which focuses on the popular book Joshua by Joseph Girzone. Some members will also gather at various churches on Wednesday mornings, beginning Ash Wednesday, for Mass, followed by breakfast at a nearby restaurant.
On February 3, they will attend a performance of “On Golden Pond,” by the Pawtucket Community players. Participants are responsible for paying for their own event tickets and meals; an annual $8 membership fee covers the cost of monthly mailings.
“I always encourage those who are interested to attend an activity before they join,” said Notte, the group’s facilitator. “I mail them a calendar and let them make the decision.”
For more information about Connected Catholics or to receive an events calendar, call the Office of Life and Family Ministry at 421-7833, ext. 117.
