The Office of Marriage and Family Life assists the Bishop by conducting programs and activities which strengthen marriage and the family. The office provides education and advocacy on issues related to the sanctity of marriage and family life.
Click here to register for the next PREPARE-ENRICH Facilitators' Training Seminar, to be held on June 29, 2013. The deadline to register is June 7.
Select one of the following to view related information from the Office of Marriage and Family Life Ministry:
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Marriage Preparation Marriage Prep FAQ's |
Marriage Enrichment | Diocesan Marriage Anniversary Masses |
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Natural Family Planning (NFP) |
Support for Separated, Divorced, Widowed Divorce Survival Guide Click here for online registration & payment |
Young Adult Ministry |
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Annual Mother's Day of Reflection Click here for online registration and payment |
Diocesan-Wide Calendar of Events |
Links to Additional Resources (Including Anti-Pornography Resources) |
| Online Video Resources |
Marriage Enrichment
Marriage | His Holiness Benedict XVI to Italian Youth on September 1, 2007
In the very depths of their hearts, every young man, every young woman who are looking out on life, cherish the dream of a love that will give meaning to their futures. For many, this is fulfilled in the choice of marriage and in the formation of a family in which the love between a man and a woman is lived as a definitive gift, sealed by the "yes" spoken before God on their wedding day, a "yes" for their whole life.
The following are Marriage Enrichment Programs offered through the Office of Marriage and Family Life.
Counseling and Counseling Referrals
Couples, families, and individuals in crisis can contact the Office of Marriage and Family Life to inquire about counseling offered through our office or for referrals to Counselors who have agreed to work with our office. The Office of Marriage and Family Life’s counseling policy is to refer out those who have insurance and to only see those who do not. Those who we do see may donate whatever amount they can to the support of our office. We also refer to Outpatient Facilities, Drug Rehabilitation Programs, and Family and Parenting Programs.
Movie and Discussion Date Nights
These nights are held periodically throughout the year in Fusilier Auditorium. This event is for married or engaged couples and the movies shown are selected based on their relevance to healthy relationship skills and living out your faith. Tickets for this event can be reserved through the Office of Marriage and Family Life. There is no cost but donations are accepted.
Retrouvaille
The word Retrouvaille™ (pronounced re-tro-vi with a long i.) is a French word meaning rediscovery. The program offers tools needed to rediscover a loving marriage relationship. Thousands of couples headed for cold, unloving relationships or divorce have successfully overcome their marriage problems by attending the program.
To learn more, visit www.retrouvaille.org.
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Diocesan Marriage Anniversary Masses
The Diocesan Marriage Anniversary Masses are sponsored annually by the Office of Marriage and Family Life Ministry, on behalf of Bishop Michael Jarrell. The celebrations are hosted by various church parishes throughout the diocese, typically during the months of February and March. One Mass is designated for the recognition of couples who are celebrating 50, 60, or more years of married life, and one Mass is designated for the recognition of couples who are celebrating 25 or 40 years of married life.Pre-registration is required by all couples who wish to be recognized during the Marriage Anniversary Mass. Due to the large volume of participation each year, only couples who are celebrating one of the designated anniversary years may register to be recognized, and the anniversary must fall within that calendar year. No registrations are accepted at the door on the day of the Anniversary Celebration Mass. The bishop will present all registered couples with a certificate in honor of their marriage anniversary, and a special reception will be held immediately following each Mass. Friends and family members are welcome to attend the Mass and reception; however, reserved seating is only available for the couples being honored, while others are asked to be seated behind this reserved section.
Registration for both Anniversary Celebration Masses will open in January of each year. Once registration is open, a link will be posted in this section to allow couples to register online.
Divorce Survival Guide
NEW!
Catholic's Divorce Healing Program
The Office of Marriage and Family Life is pleased to announce the beginning of an exciting new ministry to men and women who have suffered from divorce, The Catholic's Divorce Survival Guide. Michelle Hernandez, Licensed Professional Counselor, will be facilitating the workshop. Michelle, a parishioner at Our Lady of Wisdom, trained at Loyola University in New Orleans and returned to her hometown of Lafayette with her three children after divorce. She has done work in the areas of relationships, marriage and family life and will combine her professional and personal experience to help other Catholics on the journey after divorce.
The group will meet on April 13, 2013 and April 20, 2013, 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM at St. Edmond's Church Hall (4131 West Congress Street, Lafayette). There will be an hour break for lunch. The cost for the program is $50.00 per person, which covers your materials. Individuals will have the opportunity to attend the vigil mass at St. Edmond's Church at 4:00 PM.
Click here for online registration and payment.
Annual Mother's Day of Reflection
Click here for online registration and payment.
Online Video Resources
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Beginning of Life Issues Topics Covered Include:
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End of Life Issues Topics Covered Include:
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