What God Has Joined
October 22-24, 2025
October 22-24, 2025
A retreat for separated and divorced men and women seeking to conform themselves to God’s truth and will for their lives. Find strength, hope, and solidarity. You're not alone.
Meet Our Master of Ceremonies
Patrick Metts, LPC
Patrick Metts is the Associate Director of the Office of Evangelization & Discipleship in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and also possesses a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Studies from the John Paul II Institute. Patrick created RESTORE - a Catholic Marriage Resource for couples seeking support, growth, and healing in their relationships. He and his wife live in suburban Atlanta, and have two sons.
Meet Our Pastoral Team
Fr. Tim Hepburn
Fr. Tim Hepburn is pastor of St. Michael Catholic Church in Gainesville, Ga. Previously, he was Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Atlanta. He has served as chaplain at Emory University, Agnes Scott College, and Georgia Tech. Father was ordained in 1993, and he loves teaching, preaching, and singing!
Kevin Sevcik, LAPC
Kevin Sevcik is a bilingual Christian/Catholic counselor at Transfiguration Counseling, working at both St. Thomas More in Decatur, Ga and St. Catherine of Siena in Kennesaw, Ga. His therapeutic approach draws on parts work therapy, humanistic therapies, and other evidence based models. He has a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Divine Mercy University.
Fr. Jared Kleinwaechter
Fr. Jared Kleinwaechter studied chemical engineering at Georgia Tech and never thought about being a priest until college. During an evening of Adoration, he had a powerful experience of closeness to Jesus in the Eucharist which gave him the courage and freedom to respond to the call to the priesthood. He was ordained on June 1, 2024 at Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic Church in Norcross, Ga.
Fr. David DesPres
Fr. David DesPres was ordained a priest on June 1st for the Archdiocese of Atlanta. He studied at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, graduating with an M.A. in Philosophy and an M.Div. in Theology. He is currently the Parochial Vicar at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Atlanta. In his spare time, Fr. David enjoys various sports, including tennis, golf, and swimming, as well as playing music.
Fr. Michael Onyekuru
Fr. Michael Onyekuru, J.C.D. is judicial vicar of the Metropolitan Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Atlanta. A native of Owerri, Nigeria, Father attended Collegio Beda Seminary in Rome, and was ordained to the priesthood on August 5, 2000. His interests include soccer, lawn and table tennis, and nature walks.
Fr. Arturo Merriman
Fr. Arturo Merriman is parochial vicar at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Dalton, Ga. He attended the University of Georgia, then entered St. Vincent de Paul Seminary in Boynton Beach, Fla. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 1, 2024.
Meet Our Speakers
Abby Bettencourt
Abby Bettencourt is a wife and mother living in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. A native of Birmingham, Ala., Abby is a proud alumni of Franciscan University of Steubenville. For five years she served St. Pius X Catholic High School in Atlanta as Director of Campus Ministry. In 2022, she completed her Masters in Theology from the Augustine Institute. Abby and her husband Taylor reside in Kennesaw, Ga. with their four children.
Dr. Christine Bacon
Dr. Christine Bacon leads an international group of men and women standing for their marriage vows after separation and/or divorce. She is the author of The Super Couple: A Formula for Extreme Happiness in Marriage. A communication and relationship expert, her doctoral dissertation examined humor in marriage.
SCHEDULE
DETAILS
What God Has Joined is an opportunity for divorced and separated people to find strength, hope, and solidarity as they seek to conform to God's truth and will for their lives. No matter where you are on your journey - this is an opportunity to grow deeper into your faith!
What God Has Joined will take place at the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta's Chancery located at 2401 Lake Park Dr. S.E., Smyrna, GA 30080.
Bulletin announcement:
2025 What God Has Joined Retreat
Join us for our second annual What God Has Joined retreat at the Archdiocese of Atlanta Chancery in Smyrna, Ga., bringing divorced and separated Catholics, from all over the United States, to grow closer to Christ, connect with other participants, and learn more about what it means to be in a covenant relationship, even after separation or divorce.
The retreat begins Wednesday, October 22 and ends Friday, October 24. There will be a community dinner with clergy and other supporters on Thursday evening. The retreat includes Mass, confession, adoration, meals, and fellowship. Registration information and further details available at: https://catholicsformarriagerestoration.com/
The cost is $50 through September 20, $60 after. We do not want financial concerns to impede your opportunity to encounter Jesus or have fellowship with other divorced and separated. Please email pmetts@archatl.com for scholarship options.
A block of rooms has been reserved at Tru by Hilton Atlanta Galleria Ballpark for October 21-25. Book by September 30.
Additional Opportunity
The Most Reverend John Nhàn Trần, Auxiliary Bishop of Atlanta, will offer a Mass for separated and divorced Catholics at Mary Our Queen on Saturday, October 25 at 10 a.m. A reception with light refreshments will follow.
6260 The Corners Pkwy.
Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
Peachtree Corners, GA 30092