About Cares

CARES is the ministry created by the Catholic parishes of Lake and Geauga counties to minister to the separated and divorced members of their communities. 

What is the Lake/Geauga District?
The Cleveland Diocese is organized on a District basis.  The district of Lake/Geauga county is comprised of 20 parishes – 6 from the more rural/suburban county of Geauga and 14 from the more suburban county of Lake.  These parishes are committed to the District structure and working together.

In 1996, the District identified the need to provide support to the separated and divorced members of their communities.  Thus, a collaborative effort for the ministry to the divorced and separated began, CARES. 

What does the Lake/Geauga District do for the divorced and separated?
A special board comprised of clergy and lay ecclesial ministers plans, develops and directs an integrated ministry for the divorced and separated which incorporates limited term support groups, workshops, evenings of reflection and reconciliation, and serves as a resource.

Who provides professional support to this ministry?
A board comprised of 10-12 District representatives including pastors, a deacon, associate pastor, divorced lay woman, lay ecclesial ministers, and a representative from Catholic Charities, meets four times per year to plan and implement the various components of the ministry.  The Board contracts with licensed professionals on an ongoing basis. 

How is this ministry funded?
Following start up monies from Catholic Charities and recognition of the value provided by this ministry, every parish in the District agreed to a funding plan which demonstrated their dedication and commitment to providing help for those divorced and separated.