Diocese of Laredo | Family Life

The Family Life Ministry

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The mission of the Family Life Office is to be faithful to the Diocesan vision, demonstrating respect for families and individuals, serving with joy to convey Christ's message of love working in collaboration with other Diocesan departments and community organizations to further true catholic beliefs

Our Diocesan Vision: Building unity within our diocesan community

The Family Life Office responds in faith to the spiritual needs of God's people throughout the natural life cycle by enriching their journey of faith. This ministry currently conducts educational and enrichment activities for:

Marriage Preparation
Natural Family Planning
Understanding Sexuality
Respect Life Awareness
Marriage Support

Mrs. Martha E. Miller, Family Life Director
Mrs. Alma A. Flores, Family Life Secretary
Rev. R. Anthony Mendoza, Respect Life Spiritual Director

~Marriage Preparation~

Guidance for couples
Perspectives on Marriage exercises
Pre-Cana Retreat
Vocation discernment and engagement period
Preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage
Marriage as a continually developing interpersonal relationship
The art of love and communication
The virtues and difficulties of conjugal life
The gift and responsibility of conjugal sexuality
Responsible parenthood and the gift of procreation
Educating children in God's love
Constructing a well-ordered family life
Living a life of faith
Creating a family apostolate

F.A.Q. Frequently Asked Questions on the Pre-Cana Classes

~Natural Family Planning~

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops mandates that each diocese in the United States "help couples deepen conjugal love and achieve responsible parenthood through both education and pastoral care." In response, the diocesan office offers the following:

Competent NFP education within the context of Catholic moral and sacramental teaching on human sexuality, marriage & family life
Orientation to NFP at Pre-Cana retreats for engaged and civilly married couples
NFP material for enrollees in certified classes

~Understanding Sexuality~
The mission of the Understanding Sexuality Program is to evangelize the People of God through the Church's teachings on reproduction and the sanctity of human sexuality. Currently this program offers:

Formation sessions advocating Humanae Vitae
Distribution of educational materials

~Respect Life~

The Respect Life Ministry serves as a resource for both clergy and laity to address all pro-life issues from conception to natural death.
January Pro-Life Rosary Walk
Life Chain during October, Respect Life month
October Respect Life Mass
Distribution of educational materials

~MarriageSupport Program The Marriage Support Program's mission is to enrich marriages by providing spiritual and moral guidance to the sacramental union and focus on its call to Faith and Love. An appointment is necessary to see the Counselor. Please call the office for more detailed information.

Ministies currently under development/implementation

Marriage Convalidation Retreat
Marriage/Families Enrichment
Parenting/Step Parenting

If you are interested in serving in the Family Life Office Ministries, please contact the director, Mrs. Martha E. Miller at the number listed below:
Telephone: 956.727.2140
Fax: 956.764.7842
E-mail: mailto:mmiller@dioceseoflaredo.org
1201 Corpus Christi St., Pastoral Center
Laredo, TX 78040

For ideas and advice on family and marriage log on to the following web site: www.usccb.org

For resources to assist you or others on the painful process of Divorce visit this web site: www.nacsdc.org

Please contact Family Life Office at least:

6 months

prior to your wedding to register for your Pre-Cana

2013 Pre-Cana Retreat Schedule

January 12 & 13

February 2 & 3 Spanish Retreat

March~No Pre-Cana

April 13 & 14

May 4 & 5 Spanish Retreat

June 1 & 2