Marriage Preparation

• ^{Individual counseling and guidance}
• ^{Assessment Instruments}
• ^{Perspectives on Marriage textbook 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}

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:

• Chastity classes at parishes, interested community agencies and both secular and parochial schools
• Empowering parenting sessions
• Formation sessions advocating Humanae Vitae
• Distribution of educational materials
• A certified licensed health professional (RN and BSN)

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
• Effective NFP classes for engaged and married couples
• Certified NFP instructors
• Orientation to NFP at Pre-Cana retreats
• NFP material for enrollees in certified classes

Persons with Disabilities

As source of all human life, God asks respect for the dignity of His sacred creation.  Respecting this Truth, and acknowledging the sanctity of human life, this ministry attempts to meet the unique spiritual needs of the disabled with dignity.  Currently it provides:

• Religious education and sacramental preparation
• Monthly liturgical celebrations with personal participation
• Home and Hospital visitations
• Retreats and community weekends
• Social events and celebrations
• Sign language classes in progress

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
• Liturgical Celebration of Mary’s Fiat on the Feast of the Annunciation/Incarnation
• Rose sale for Casa Esperanza on Mothers’ Day Sunday
• Life Chain during October, Respect Life month
• October Respect Life Mass
• Formation of Parish Respect Life committees