Retreat, Re-Group and Eucharistic Recharge
This Day of Reflection at the Jesuit Retreat Center will focus on processing our own grief as pastoral caregivers. This day is appropriate for bereavement leaders, parish leaders, and lay ecclesial ministers. There will be time for reflection, sharing, support, and Eucharistic Adoration. For more information and to register, visit our event page.
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Welcome Maria!
The Marriage and Family Ministry Office welcomes Maria Wancata to the role of Marriage and Family Ministry Specialist. Maria is working on her graduate degree in Theology, completing formation as a Lay Ecclesial Minister, and is a wife and mother of two! Maria has hit the ground running by completing the Prepare-Enrich training and is becoming trained through Couple to Couple for Fertility Awareness (NFP).
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Marriage Mentoring
Marriage mentoring is the process of having married couples meet with other preparing or married couples to assist with marriage preparation and/or support newly married couples. It has been proven to be a best practice for marriages.
In the Diocese of Cleveland, marriage mentors help with facilitating workbook activities for the Prepare-Enrich inventory. Experienced marriage mentors, or marriage mentors with a counseling background, can also help couples that are experiencing marital struggles.
Is your parish interested in utilizing marriage mentors? Please reach out to our office to learn more. We can help with customizing a marriage mentoring program that will best fit your parish.
We will be offering a Prepare-Enrich training on two different dates at St. Joseph's in Avon Lake on December 1 and December 5. Priests or parish staff can register couples or request more information by emailing our office.
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Marriage and Family Enrichment Workshops
Looking to build communication skills and better connections? The "Strategies for Strengthening Relationships" workshop is hands on and a wonderful opportunity for all. Workshop presenter is Nichole Melchi.
Currently scheduled at two parishes, pick the date and location that is right for you.
- Sunday, November 6, 12:00-2:30 pm, Our Lady of Angels, Cleveland. A simple brunch is included. Register Here
- Saturday, November 19, 4:00 - 8:30 pm, St. John Bosco, Parma Heights. A fully catered dinner is included. Register Here
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Grandparents Ministry
Mature adult and grandparenting ministries have taken the diocese by storm! They have effectively started up in every county of the diocese in just a few short months following the Ss. Anne and Joachim Workshops. Currently, there are ten different groups being formed. As a diocese, we are also discussing forming a chapter that will become part of the International Catholic Grandparenting Association.
Gatherings have begun in parishes, and most have agreed to work with surrounding parishes to develop a sound network that can be sustainable through the years. Future goals are to organize a pilgrimage for next spring or summer that focuses on the Eucharistic Revival, as well as a retreat day for mature adults.
Our office has been working with leaders to develop ministries at the parish level and share resources from the spring workshops. Bishop Malesic has encouraged us to share our resources with all and, most recently, we received a request from Sydney, Australia. Our grandparents are passionate about passing on the faith and our Marriage and Family Ministry staff is happy to serve you and your parish. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you would like more information.
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Cornerstone of Hope
The Marriage and Family Ministry Office has partnered with Cornerstone of Hope to bring a professionally-guided, closed, support group for those who have experienced loss due to suicide. With great support from parish level bereavement leaders Lisa Rade, Kathleen Rogers and Carolyn Zaverl, we were able to conduct the intake meetings. Ten people signed up for the group offered at St. Albert the Great. This was our first collaboration with another agency, and it has proved to be very beneficial. Next step is to assess other areas for future groups to be offered.
We have received some requests for grief specific issues like loss due to overdose. If your geographic region could support filling a professionally monitored support group, or if you would like more details, please don't hesitate to reach out.
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Mental Health
Last year, we offered Mental Health First Aid training to all parishes and parents. This was a one-day training offered virtually to increase a person's ability to recognize mental health needs and respond appropriately.
As an alternative, this year we are offering LIFEACT's QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer). QPR is a one-hour training that helps adults learn how to ask questions of someone that might be contemplating suicide. If you are interested in bringing QPR training to your parish, please reach out to our office. We will help you get connected and support your parish staff through the process.
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Suicide Support Line 988
Just like 911, there is a new suicide hotline available (9-8-8). Perhaps it's time to send someone around the parish to get those old signs out of the bathroom stalls and update them! We have downloadable printable signs available. (Maybe check your domestic violence and human trafficking signs as well.)
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Domestic Violence
Did you know that 20-24 people per minute experience domestic violence?
Prevention is key!
Contact us if you are interested in hosting a talk at your parish and/or need updated resources for your parish staff.
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- Sunday, November 6 Strategies for Relationship Building, 12-2:30 pm, Our Lady of Angels, Cleveland.
- Saturday, November 19 Strategies for Relationship Building, 4-8:30 pm, St. John Bosco, Parma Heights. Mass followed by dinner & drinks.
- Friday, December 9 Retreat, Re-Group and Eucharistic Recharge for Bereavement and Pastoral Leaders, 8:30-2 pm, Jesuit Retreat House, Parma.
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