FAMILY ENRICHMENT

“A family is our first community and most basic way in which the Lord gathers us, forms us, and acts in the world. The early Church expressed this truth by calling the Christian family a “Domestic Church” or “Church of the home”.“Follow the Way of Love,”- A Pastoral Message of the U.S. Bishops to Families.

PARENTING – There are several video-based programs directed at increasing confidence and developing skills in parents who, in turn are better able to instill self-esteem, responsibility and cooperation in their children. These programs have a number of options:

The Active Christian Parenting and Active Parenting of Teens are six-week programs and are facilitated by a certified leader (activeparenting.com). Just Me and the Kids, is for the single parent family. This program aids both children and adults in healing and developing healthy relationships. S.T.E.P.-Parenting the Young Child. Is for parents of infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers. 1,2,3,4, Parents, is for parents of children 1-4 to better understand early childhood development and the skills to deal with the young child. (3 week, 1½ hour format). www.activeparenting.com

STEPFAMILIES: This workshop addresses step-family and co-parenting issues Parents will learn effective techniques to facilitate positive co-parenting with former spouse and helpful hints to stengthen family relationships.

MOMS (Ministry of Mothers Sharing)

This is an eight-week program which creates an environment where women who share the role of motherhood can come together for personal and spiritual growth opportunities.

Workshops are held throughout the year for Peer facilitators and leadership in this program.

If you are interested in starting this ministry in your community, please contact aburczyk@orlandodiocese.org or 407-246-4868.

MOMS National Website: www.stpaulsmonastery.org

MOMS Peer Facilitator Training in Ministry - This seven-hour workshop gives participants an actual experience in adult learning model, facilitating skills, “active” listening, choice making, discernment, the theology of MOMS, as well as the practical application of Called & Gifted in this ministry. A training manual will be provided.

For more information about trainings or workshops, contact Anne Burczyk at aburczyk@orlandodiocese.org or 407-246-4868.

MOMS, How to develop a Core Team - This three-hour workshop helps members develop team-building skills needed on the Core Team. The value of clear job descriptions, methods of marketing, and how to discern and utilize members’ gifts are presented. Sample team meeting schedules, agendas, timelines, annual budget and annual report to pastor will also be presented. Mini-manuals are provided.

MOMS Core Team Visioning - This three-hour workshop gives the Core Team Leaders and Staff Liaison time to look at their image and experience of leadership in MOMS. They will learn how to develop a shared vision of MOMS ministry in their community. From the shared vision, the team is able to set concrete practical goals for their future direction within their community or parish. Mini-manuals are provided.

These workshops are especially deigned to strengthen the leadership skills in each woman. Each workshop empowers the leaders to understand Called & Gifted for the Third Millennium as well as develop skills to minister to other adults.

CONTEMPORARY FATHERS - This program is a day for fathers, grandfathers and mentors of children, to become better acquainted with other men in their faith community, become more intentional about their roles and to take time to set goals and identify priorities in their spiritual and family lives. For further information or to schedule this dynamic day in your parish please contact The Family Life Office.

MOVIMIENTO FAMILIAR CRISTIANO – This is a Catholic Spanish speaking movement that invites families to evangelize other families. It promotes communication and dialogue between husband and wife in order to strengthen their marriage. For information contact Wilfredo Melendez at 386-801-7494 or E-mail mfcristiano@netzero.net.

ORLANDO CATHOLIC SINGLES – This organization for singles (never married, or are divorced or widowed) has activities that are educational, spiritual and social and held in various parts of Orlando. Click here to download the latest newsletter in PDF format. Note that this issue includes the registration to the Christmas event of 2007.

CROWN MINISTRIES – This ten-week parish based program is about more than money. Small groups meet to discuss getting out of debt, spending, saving and investing, budgeting and giving as well as training the children. It is based on Scriptural principles and creates effective management of financial resources. For further information contact Jon Beanor E-Mail him at beanjon@bellsouth.net. Visit their website at www.crown.org.