“A family enlightened by the Gospel provides a school for Christian living. There, one learned faithfulness, patience and sacrifice.” - Pope Francis
The Office of Marriage, Family and Pro-Life seeks to equip parents as the primary educators and disciplers of their children. We assist parents with issues ranging from family prayer, to parenting, to helping parents navigate an increasingly digital world. We help equip parishes in developing and maintaining ministries and programs to these ends as well.
Family Ministry COVID-19 Resources
In light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of Marriage, Family Life and Pro-Life has developed the following for parents to assist them in maintaining a functional and cohesive home environment, maintaining strong marital and familial bonds and in being the primary educators and disciplers of their children.
- Family Connections Facebook Group – a resource sharing and support community of hundreds of local users and hub for virtual events.
- Family Liturgical Celebration Guides -include themed crafts, recipes, videos and more.
- pdf Holy Week at Home (Palm Sunday) (146 KB)
- pdf Holy Week at Home (Holy Thursday) (3.78 MB)
- pdf Holy Week at Home (Good Friday) (176 KB)
- pdf Holy Week at Home (Easter) (274 KB)
- pdf Divine Mercy Family Guide (273 KB)
- pdf Domestic Church Family Guide (339 KB)
- pdf Family Consecration Guide (314 KB)
- pdf Down Time Family Guide (488 KB)
- pdf Living the Spirit of Easter Ascension Edition final (223 KB)
Discipleship is Rooted in the Home
One of the natural roles of parents the Church recognizes is “primary educator and discipler of children”. This means, that among all of the influential figures in your child’s life; their priests, their catechists, their Catholic school teachers, they will form the habits of discipleship and their relationship with Jesus according to your example. What a responsability! This resource helps parents to help their children to discover Jesus, follow Jesus, worship Jesus and share Him.
pdf Discipleship Parent Packet (380 KB)
Family Ministry Network
This group is open to anyone looking for more ideas and resources for helping Catholic families deepen their family bonds and faith life, as well as their engagement in parish life and living the faith out in the home. It meets periodically throughout the year. Please contact Sheila Re, Administrative Assistant for Office of Marriage & Family for additional information. CLICK HERE to message Sheila Re.
Parenting & Relationship Skills
Resources for Parents & Parenting from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
Many great resources, articles and links for various parenting related issues. Excellent source!
The 5 Love Languages
Very simple concepts that can make a huge impact on couple and family dynamics!
Online quizzes for couples, children and teens to help discover their primary love language that helps them feel more appreciated, understood and valued.
The site also has a free downloadable Small Group Guide for parents who want to learn to connect more effectively with their children using the Love Languages.
Books by best-selling author Gary Chapman include The 5 Love Languages for Couples, Singles, Children, Teens, Men's Edition and Military Edition.
Praying as a Family
"The Family Fully Alive: Building the Domestic Church -- Prayers, Meditations and Activities to Enrich Your Family Life"
This booklet is compiled and distributed by the Knights of Columbus, who are huge supporters of both prayer and family in the Catholic world. This is a WONDERFUL resource for families! It has several great reflections on the importance of prayer, various prayers, and monthly prayers and areas to focus on as a family.
Freedom From Pornography
Create in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography
Create in Me a Clean Heart Pamphlet Series
Crea in mí un corazón puro
Crea in mí un corazón puro folleto serie
Covenant Eyes
Find Peace of Mind with Internet Accountability Software
Internet Accountability monitors websites visited, search terms used, and YouTube videos watched, and lists them in an easy-to-read report designed to start a conversation about healthy online habits. Parents, see where your kids go online. Adults, reduce Internet temptations and protect the relationships you value most.
Block the Bad Stuff with Web Content Filtering
Sometimes you or your kids need an extra layer of protection. Get Internet Filtering to block inappropriate web content based on age-appropriateness. You can even create custom block and allow lists, or block the Internet completely at certain times of day.
RECLAiM Sexual Health
RECLAiM Sexual Health offers a science-based, Catholic Online Recovery Program and other resources for those who desire to reclaim God's plan for their lives and the lives of loved ones impacted by pornography or other unhealthy sexual behaviors.
The RECLAiM Sexual Health Online Recovery Program provides a unique integration of Theology of the Body, The Brain Science of Change, proven cognitive tools, accountability, group support, faith practices and prayer all in one, online community. Working at your own pace in an anonymous and safe environment, you can begin to change your unhealthy sexual behaviors and reclaim God's original plan for your life and your sexuality.