Annulment is one of the most misunderstood terms among Catholics. Without proper knowledge, it often makes people feel hurt, confused, and angry:

• Oh, come on. It’s just Catholic divorce.
• I meant my vows. I know we have a valid marriage bond!
• We have three kids. How can the Church say we didn’t have a marriage?
• It’s a scandal because tribunals hand annulments out like candy!

Myths, misunderstanding, and the lack of training (even well-meaning clergy and ministry leaders), in this highly personal and sensitive area is a major trigger for people to reject Church teaching, abandon OCIA, or leave the faith altogether.

Don’t let this happen!

Let the expert guide you!

Rose Sweet will equip YOU to discuss and minister in this area with clarity and charity. She’s has been a pioneer in Catholic divorce ministry for over 30 years and authored How to Understand and Petition for Your Decree of Nullity  (TAN Books 2012). She’s also worked in many dioceses, served as official Advocate, and assisted hundreds—both Petitioners and Respondents—in their annulment cases.

This intensive training in the pastoral issues will help you to understand, teach, and reach the hearts of those who are considering annulment. And, by God’s grace, to help those who are away from Jeus in his Sacraments to return..

FULL TRAINING
6 Hours $1500

Part I   Introduction

• Why divorced Catholics should be aware of Church teachings
• How the annulment process, improperly addressed, can add more trauma
• What the ministers goals and responsibilities are

Part II  The People

• Knowing their five most basic needs from the Church
• Understanding why divorced people really leave the Church
• What the divorced person most fears about annulment
• Understanding your specific role in this process
• What you should never say to the divorced person
• The best way to answer all their questions
• Four steps to take to lead like Jesus

Part III  The Principles

• Finding support for annulment in Scripture
• What the Catechism really says about marriage/divorce/annulment, and remarriage,
• What Canon Law says about marriage/divorce/annulment
• What St. John Paul’s Theology of the Body says about the marriage bond,

Part IV  The Process

• Understanding the role & responsibility of the tribunal
• Understanding what makes a marriage bond invalid
• How to explain the complex principles in a simple way
• Busting the myths that surround annulment

Part V  The Paperwork

• Common mistakes the parties make
• How to ask the right questions, even if they are highly sensitive or embarrassing,
• How to help the parties effectively write their testimony in support of grounds,
• How to properly prepare the parties for oral testimony,
• Everything they need to know about the best witnesses
• What to expect from start to finish
• Understanding the parties’ canonical rights in the process

Part V   The Path Forward

• How to pastorally coach them in the waiting
• Helping them discuss annulment with their family
• Practical steps to calling them to holiness
• What to do if they don’t get the annulment
• Helping them properly understand their future
• How to best aand simply explain the Church’s “hard sayings”

MINI TRAINING
2 HOURS   $750

Most dioceses offer some training to those who wish to serve the tribunal as procurator or “field advocates.”  However, these do not address the deeply personal side of the parties’ (Petitioner, Respondent, and witnesses) fears, worries, and misunderstandings.

If your parish staff or leaders are looking for some general education and insight into the pastoral side of annulment—dealing specifically with the people and their personalities—Rose offers an abbreviated training. The workshop focuses on the general Principles, Process, and Path Forward.

TO SCHEDULE: Email Rose