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Office of Family Life

Our Mission

It is the mission of the Office of Family Life to serve the gospel of Jesus Christ as expressed through the Catholic Church, the Pope and the bishop. By cultivating an intense union with Christ and obedience to His Spirit, the lives of families are consecrated toward the holiness of each member, and, ultimately, the creation of a civilization of love. The Office exists to assist the bishop in his role as shepherd and teacher of the local Church. We are accountable to him, and through him to families in the diocese. We are dedicated to the pastoral stance that each family must follow Christ in expressing the love of the Father, embracing a missionary spirituality that leads beyond itself to the world.

We are committed to advocating a family perspective in all areas of pastoral planning insofar as family ministry is a dimension of all ministry.

We are charged with "total family ministry", which does not imply sole responsibility for family ministry in the diocese. Family ministry cannot be effectively implemented by a single diocesan office, agency or group working in isolation. However, we have the right and obligation to research and assess the situation of families from conception to natural death, initiating and coordinating specific activities and programs responsive to those needs. The activities and programs shall be designed to empower the leadership of families themselves in collaboration with clergy, religious and lay authorities.

Departments

The Office of Family Life is comprised of two departments, Marriage and Family and Pastoral Services. Below are menus listing the specific ministries and programs offered.