"The relationships within the family bring an affinity of feelings, affections and interests, arising above all from the members’ respect for one another. The family is a privileged community called to achieve a “sharing of thought and common deliberation by the spouses as well as their eager cooperation as parents in the children’s upbringing."

Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2206

The Family Life Office coordinates all premarriage programs, Engaged Encounter weekends, Pre-Cana, parish-based Sponsor Couple and Remarriage Preparation. Retreats and days of enrichment are offered for families.

For more information on our programs click on the links to the left or download our program flyer by clicking here.

"Sit with Me", a rosary meditation CD for the sick and dying. Click here to download the order form.

JOY OF CARING CONFERENCE, August 12, 2012

This Year's "Joy of Caring" Keynote Address will be Open Heart, Open Mind: Cultivating Compassion for Self & Others with Joyce Rupp, SM Compassion asks great things of us. In the course of caring for others in their struggles and sorrows, true compassion requires that we also tend to our own self. Along with presenting numerous facets of compassion, Joyce Rupp will explore the challenge and benefi t of being compassionate to one’s self.

Joyce describes herself as a “spiritual midwife,” one who assists others in birthing their true self. She is a member of the Servants of Mary order, the author of twenty one books, and gives conferences and retreats both nationally and internationally. She is also a spiritual director, the co-director of The Institute of Compassionate Presence, and has been a volunteer for Hospice for fourteen years. She lives in Des Moines, IA.

This conference is open to all parish staff, nurses, and pastoral caregivers. Click here for information: www.clarke.edu/joyofcaring