| | “Faith is a gift from God. In his Providence, God has chosen to use human instruments to ensure the growth of the faith received in Baptism. Under the prayerful intercession of the Virgin Mary, who was herself both a disciple and a catechist, members of the Church community are called not only to grow in knowledge of the faith but, at the same time to pass on that faith to others.” (National Directory for Catechesis, no. 53) | |
Mission Statement
The Religious Education and Family Life Office, in collaboration with the Bishop and the Department of Formation and Ministry, recognizes the call of all the baptized to follow and imitate Jesus Christ. We seek to help all to grow in holiness by deepening their relationship with God and with each other in the midst of each stage and dimension of life, from womb to tomb.
We provide direct programs:
• Marriage preparation (Engaged Enrichment, Cana II, PreCana)
• Retreat for those grieving the loss of a spouse (Beginning Experience)
• Formation for lay ecclesial ministers and adult education/spirituality (Church Ministries program, retreat, faith-sharing resource for Lent, diocesan conferences & workshops, scholarships)
• Retreat for adults with moderate developmental disabilities
We assist, train, and support parish leaders in the areas of:
• Pastoral care (Pastoral Ministers, BeFriender ministry, parish nursing)
• Marriage preparation (Sponsor Couple, FOCCUS, diocesan guidelines for marriage preparation)
• Natural Family Planning
• Marriage enrichment
• Infant baptism preparation for parents (Welcome Your Child, diocesan guidelines for infant baptism preparation)
• Intergenerational faith formation (Generations of Faith, whole community catechesis)
We serve as advocates for:
• Persons with disabilities (especially in the area of accessibility and Sacrament preparation, and by raising awareness)
• Families in difficult situations
• Older persons
• Persons experiencing grief/loss and are in need of healing (i.e. ritual related to miscarriage, Project Rachel, annulment workshops)
We recommend resources and materials and make referrals in response to requests from individuals, couples, families, and parishes.
Our office is professionally associated with these organizations:
http://www.nacflm.org
National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers
In response to God's word revealed through all generations and impelled by our belief in the intrinsic sacredness of family life, we the members of the National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers join together to be a prophetic voice for family in Church and society, to foster professional development, and to provide mutual support for those who minister with families.
http://www.nalm.org
National Association for Lay Ministry is a professional organization that supports, educates and advocates for lay ministers and promotes the development of lay ministry in the Catholic Church
Adult and Family Ministries Advisory Board
The purpose of the AFM Board is to be an active consulting body to the Bishop and the Office of Adult & Family Ministries in ministering to the needs of adults and families in the diocese.
The board is visionary and assists by recommending long-range and short-range goals and strategies at the diocesan level. The members also contribute by recommending resources, planning activities, and facilitating communication at all levels. Meetings are held quarterly.
Members represent each deanery and the various ministries of the AFM Office.
Current members are:
Becky Behrens – southcentral deanery
Rose Behrens – south central deanery
Rev. Brian Danner – priest and southeast deanery
Santa Fernandez – southwest deanery and pastoral minister
Norine Harvey – northwest deanery
Melissa Hindt – central deanery
Rev. Mr. Michael Stover - central deanery
Rev. Mr. Robert Lenz – southeast deanery
Sister Phan Vu, O.P. – southwest deanery
Greg Stieneke – central deanery
To contact the board, click here.