Support Marriage and Relationship Enrichment and Support
This ministry provides on-going education and support through classes, enrichment programs, social activities, pastoral counseling, and an annual married couple retreat, to improve and strengthen the relationships of married and engaged couples. A network of licensed marriage and family therapists associated with the Newman Center are also used as educators and referral resources when needed. Contact John Prandini at 436-3439 orprandinij@csufnewman.com
Faith, Family & Friends: The Newman Center offers Marriage and Relationship classes as part of our community’s individual and family religious education program Faith, Family & Friends. The adult education portion of FF&F offers a section of Family Life Topics that include Marriage and Relationship Enrichment classes.Go to the Faith, Family & Friends web page to see a schedule of course offerings.
Mastering the Mysteries of Love: The Newman Center is sponsoring a relationship enhancement program for married and engaged couples offered by the Healthy Marriage Coalition of Fresno/Madera County called, “Mastering the Mysteries of Love.” The program consists of six Monday evening sessions, March 22 – April26, 6:30-9PM in Cardinal Newman Hall. The program teaches communication skills vital to intimacy and conflict resolution. Cost is $20 per couple. Registration forms are at the front desk.
10 Greats Date Nights:The Newman Center sponsors date nights to help married couples have at least one date night per month for 10 months (Sept. – June). Couples are asked to make the commitment of having one date night each month to enrich their marriages, to help improve communication and to make their relationship a priority. The program includes a brief 20 minute video presentation based on the book, “10 Great Dates” by David and Claudia Arp. The meetings begin promptly at 7:00pm with the video presentation, so don’t be late. Free child care is provided from 6:45-9:30pm. Date Night will begin again in September 2010. Pre-registration is required - $20 registration fee.
PDF Registration Form (temporarily disabled link)
Annual Married Couples Retreat:The date for our 2010 Annual Married Couples Retreat is April 30-May2. Reserve the date.
PDF Workshop Flier & Registration form (temporarily disabled link)
Other Marriage Support Resources
RetrouvailleRetrouvaille is a national organization which offers a weekend program with post-weekend sessions for troubled marriages. The Retrouvaille weekend provides a Catholic spiritual context and the tools to help put your marriage in order again. The main emphasis is on communication between husband and wife. It will give you the opportunity to rediscover each other and examine your lives together in a new and positive way. Through presentations, private reflection, and dialogue, couples whose marriages are seriously troubled and who may be contemplating divorce are invited to reflect on their marriage and on what they can do to save it. For more information, call (800) 470-2230 or go to www.HelpOurMarriage.com
Marriage Encounter Weekend is designed to give married couples the opportunity to examine their lives together...a time to share their feelings, their hopes, disappointments, joys and frustrations...and to do so openly and honestly in a face-to-face, heart-to-heart encounter with the one person they have chosen to live with for the rest of their life. The emphasis of Marriage Encounter is on communication between husband and wife, who spend a weekend together away from the distractions and the tensions of everyday life, to concentrate on each other. It is not a retreat, nor a marriage clinic, nor group sensitivity. It's a unique approach aimed at revitalizing Christian Marriage. Go to www.wwme.org/ for more information and to find ME locations and dates.
Separated & Divorced Support Groups
The Catholic Church has a rich treasury of people, scripture, tradition and pastoral ministry on which to draw to serve those whose marriages end in divorce. We at the Newman Center strive to open this wealth and make known Christ’s abundant love so that all who suffer from separation and divorce might experience healing, reconciliation, and new life. We also recognize that as a separated and divorced person, through your vulnerability, suffering, courage, faithfulness, and patient endurance, you bear witness to Christ and his redeeming grace in the world. You are not mere recipients of the Church’s compassion; you are, as well, ministers of that compassion. Join us in an open and friendly environment for spiritual encouragement, friendship, support, and healing. Contact John Prandini at 436-3439 orprandinij@csufnewman.com
Divorced & Separated – Join us in Cardinal Newman Hall Thursday evenings 6:00-7:30PM. You don’t have to go through this time alone. Find help, discover hope and experience healing in this supportive and encouraging group environment.
Divorced Care Support Group: Separated and Divorced individuals are invited to join us on Thursday evenings, 6:30 – 8:00PM in Cardinal Newman Hall, room 104. This group is on break during the month of June, but will resume on Thursday, July 2, 2009.
Other Resources:
Beginning Experience: A retreat weekend for the Widowed – Separated – Divorced. Help for the heartache of finding yourself alone again - a weekend away for a lifetime of change. For information go to: www.beginningexperience.org.
Grief SupportMinistering to the bereaved (those suffering the death of a loved one) is an important ministry in the Church. The Grief Support group of the Newman Center offers support through several sessions offered each year. It also hosts an Evening of Remembrance near Christmas when families can gather to remember those who have died through prayer, song and a special candle lighting ceremony. For more information on Grief Support, contact Michele Kilner at 224-9811 or John Prandini at 436-3439.
Women’s Ministries Elizabeth Ministry is an outreach program to women in the special time of motherhood. Its formation is based on the story of Elizabeth and Mary reaching out and assisting each other during their pregnancies, and on Jesus’ vision of the goodness, beauty, and truth of motherhood and human life. The purpose of this ministry is to affirm, support, encourage and assist woman during their childbearing years. Women gather in groups, sponsor activities and classes that support mothers and foster the positive values of family in church life. Through the participation and peer support of Elizabeth Ministry, women experience greater self-confidence, friendship and support. Contact John Prandini at 436-3439 or prandinij@csufnewman.com .
MOMS(Ministry of Moms Sharing) Moms are invited to gather for support, friendship, and encouragement; Play groups where moms can meet other moms and their children are welcome to come and play are also available. New groups are forming. Contact John Prandini at 436-3439 or prandinij@csufnewman.com .
Pregnancy Supportthose needing assistance or those interested in providing support to women during their pregnancy, contact John Prandini at 436-3439 or prandinij@csufnewman.com .
Meals for New Moms those needing assistance or those interested in providing support to women during their pregnancy, contact John Prandini at 436-3439 or prandinij@csufnewman.com .
NCYA Newman Center Young Adults meet twice a month for fellowship, fun, and spiritual growth. If you are between the ages of 22 to 35, and would like to meet other young adults and grow in your faith, please join us! For more information and a list of upcoming activities, pick up a flier by the Campus Ministry bulletin board in the lobby (by the door at the east end of the hallway) or contact Tanya attanyameneses@gmail.com. Summer plans include community service, monthly Mass, and a beach trip August 1!
Catholic Singles meets at the Newman Center on a monthly basis for spiritual support and social enjoyment. Besides monthly meetings that host guest speakers on a number of topics, Catholic Singles also invites single persons to join them in a variety of other social outings. The group is open to those 40 and older who are divorced, widowed or who have never been married Contact: Vivian Tur 559-355-4528.
Retired and Senior Parishioner SupportThe Greatest Generation is open to the more mature members of our parish (seniors) who are invited to enjoy food, fellowship and a variety of social and spiritual activities. For more info, contact Carol Kennedy at 436-3434 or carol@csufnewman.com and watch the bulletin and web-site for announcements.
Pastoral Counseling – Contact the office to set up a confidential appointment with our sacramental priest, deacon or other member of our ministerial staff at 436-3434.
Spiritual Direction - – Contact the office to set up a confidential appointment with our sacramental priest, deacon or other member of our ministerial staff at 436-3434.