Mission Statement The mission of the Office of Marriage & Family is to assist families in living a Christ-centered life in accord with Catholic Church teaching on human sexuality, marriage and responsible parenthood. Our programs promote growth throughout the different stages of life, fostering the dignity of the human person from conception to a natural death. We are dedicated to proclaiming the presence of Jesus Christ in our families and our daily lives.

~OMF Corner~ AUGUST 15 - Assumption of the Virgin Mary into Heaven - Solemnity - * Holy Day of Obligation * SEPTEMBER 29 - Diocesan Ministry Day Marriage Moments (week of 8-4-08) When it's hard to forgive a spouse who has "done you wrong" try praying this way, "Oh Lord, help me forgive those who sin differently than I do." Now is the time for healing, not self-righteousness. (Tips courtesy of Susan Vogt) See For Your Marriage for additional resources.   Parenting Pointers (week of 8-1-08) "Dear God, I think about you sometimes even when I'm not praying." (Eliott) Sometimes "religious" people make fun of those who say they don't go to church because they find God in a sunset or a mountain view. While nature may be a handy excuse for avoiding intentional prayer, try to see the sacred in the ordinary people and activities you encounter today. Be mindful of God's presence for the next 5 minutes. (Tips courtesy of Susan Vogt) Legislative Action - See the latest Action Alerts from the National Committee for a Human Life Amendment (NCHLA). Check back often as things can change quickly!       PRAYERS for those serving in our military. click here Below are audio portions from the Military Advocacy Training held July 12 in St. Cloud. Linda Ritchie, who is actively involved in the Befrienders Ministry, offers advice and tips on listening and advocacy skills. Click here to listen Time: 20:25 Mike Mynczywor, LICSW from the St. Cloud VA Medical Center provides referral information for returning military regarding their health care and dental needs. Click here to listen Time: 32:45 Yolanda Von Itter, Family Assistance Coordinator with the Family Assistance Center at Camp Ripley. The National Guards role in keeping in contact with families through deployment and reintegration. Click here to listen Time: 7:25 Below is an audio portion from Diocesan Ministry Day held Oct. 1, 2007 in St. Cloud. Gail Mossman, MN National Guard State Youth Coordinator. She represents the MN National Guard as a State Partner in the MN Operation: Military Kids program. Click here to listen Time: 1:02:38 NB:Large file   Military Support Many men and women from central Minnesota are members of the United States military and are serving both in the United States and overseas. Some of these brave men and women will be returning home this summer. About the same time, others will be deployed, maybe for the second time. How does the Church and parish reach out to families while their loved-one is deployed? What are the soldiers and families needs during this time of separation? How does the parish community welcome the soldier home and assist the family through the subsequent months as they reintegrate? To assist military families, an advocacy program is being initiated. An advocate is a person or persons in each parish who can coordinate the needs of the soldiers and families from their parish. Click here for more details.       Partially funded by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, we will continue our work of strengthening families, promoting the dignity of each person and proclaiming Christ to the world. "You have a mission to fulfill, a mission of love which must begin in your homes, in the place where you are, with the people you are closest to; and only then spread out." -- Mother Theresa of Calcutta The Office of Marriage & Family is a member of the National Assosication for Catholic Family Life Ministers (NACFLM). NACFLM is a growing association of professional ministers within the Catholic Church who work with, for and beside families. Visit their website at: www.nacflm.org About Us   Our History