COMMUNITY RESOURCE LINKS
COMMUNITY
Go and Make Disciples, USCCB http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/evangelization/go-and-make-disciples/introduction_go_and_make_disciples.cfm
Catholic Church. (2012). Catechism of the Catholic Church. Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana.
GRIEF SUPPORT
PARISHES WITH ON-SITE GRIEF SERVICES
Creighton University’s resource page for grief and grieving ministry. http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Grief/
RESOURCES FOR THOSE WHO ARE GRIEVING OR SUPPORTING OTHERS IN GRIEF:
Helping Yourself Through Grief
Ways to Support Those Who Are Grieving
OTHER GRIEF SUPPORT RESOURCES ONLINE:
Prayer preparing for Christmas after a loss
Grief Counseling Resource Guide from the New York Office of Mental Health: Free, printable “Field Manual” for caregivers and those in grief.
Rainbows: Resources to help children in grief
How to Grieve by Larkin Warren, AARP Magazine
Office Memorials by Rachel Blythe Kodanaz
From Good Grief Resources
Rachel’s Vineyard Post-Abortion Healing www.rachelsvineyard.org
FAMILY LIFE
Videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVhcaEEmDHo
– in Spanish
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFvg7oCr2SI
FAMILY ENRICHMENT
Catholic Digest: This site uses the stories of real life people to demonstrate that a life guided by faith can be exciting, challenging, enlivening, and joyous.
Family Matters: This Catholic site provides weekly suggestions for marriage enrichment and family spirituality enrichment.
FAMILY PRAYER
http://www.vibrantfaithathome.org/
http://www.catholicfamilyfaith.org/
PARENTING RESOURCES
http://www.foryourmarriage.org/parenting-family/parenting/
Abstinence and Chastity –link to USCCB webpage with related articles about teaching abstinence and chastity
Cyber safety:
- http://www.netsmartzkids.org/
- http://www.connectsafely.org/
- https://www.dhs.gov/blog/2013/06/18/internet-safety-children
RESOURCES FOR MOTHERS
http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Mothers/
RESOURCES FOR FATHERS
“Enjoying Marriage and Fatherhood,” http://www.foryourmarriage.org/enjoying-marriage-and-fatherhood/
“The Positive Roles of Fathers,” by Pope Francis, Feb. 4, 2015,
http://www.foryourmarriage.org/the-positive-roles-of-fathers/
Prayers for Fathers and Husbands –from Creighton University http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Fathers/
Father/Son Camp http://www.uncnepa.org/campkelly/
RESOURCES FOR PREGNANT/NEW PARENTS
Helping Families Choose Life: How Both Dads and Moms Can Help Their Infants, on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TJcdkiJ98g
RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES STRUGGLING WITH FERTILITY
Reproductive Technology –link to USCCB webpage with related articles
RESOURCES FOR ADOPTIVE/FOSTER FAMILIES
https://www.stjosephscenter.org/adoption/
“The Blessing of ‘Unanswered Prayers’: An Adoption Story,” by MaryPat St. Jean,
http://www.foryourmarriage.org/the-blessing-of-unanswered-prayers-an-adoption-story/
“Setting the Record Straight on Adoption and Single-Parent Children,” by Joe Towalski,
RESOURCES FOR SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES
Catholic Dads Headquarters (Single Parents Welcome),
http://catholicdadshq.blogspot.com/2010/03/out-reach-to-san-diego-catholic-single.html
“Setting the Record Straight on Adoption and Single-Parent Children,” by Joe Towalski,
Books:
- Pocket Prayers for Parents, by Kathy Hendricks, Twenty-Third Publications
RESOURCES FOR GRANDPARENTS AND EXTENDED FAMILIES
“Kinship Care in Pennsylvania: Support for Families with Grandparents and Other Kin
Raising Children,” 18 page brochure from http://extension.psu.edu/publications/ui383/view
The PA Kinship Care Network https://aese.psu.edu/extension/intergenerational/program-areas/kinship
“Grandparents More Likely to Raise Grandchildren” by David Gibson,
http://www.foryourmarriage.org/grandparents-more-likely-to-raise-grandchildren/
RESOURCES FOR BLENDED/STEP FAMILIES
https://smartstepfamilies.com/
National Stepfamily Resource Center based in University of Auburn, AL, dedicated to sharing solid research on step-families http://www.stepfamilies.info/
RESOURCES FOR WIDOWED OR DIVORCED FAMILIES
Retrouvaille, https://www.helpourmarriage.org/ or 1-800-470-2230
Annulments Contact the Office of the Tribunal, Diocese of Scranton
Annulments FAQ, http://www.foryourmarriage.org/annulments/
Divorce FAQ, http://www.foryourmarriage.org/catholic-marriage/church-teachings/divorce/
Other various resources: http://www.catholicsdivorce.com/Resources
Books:
- Healing after Divorce: Hope for Catholics by Susan K. Rowland, St Anthony Messenger Press
RESOURCES FOR INTERFAITH FAMILIES
https://sites.sandiego.edu/interchurch/ is a terrific resource for discussion starters and recommendations for many aspects of combining faith lives.
www.interfaithcommunity.org is “…a community and resource for Jewish/Christian families”
FAMILY RETREATS
Marianist Family Retreat Center: Offers retreats for family members at all stages: youth and young adults, married couples, widows and widowers, single-parent families, two-parent families and individuals.
417 Yale Avenue, PO Box 488, Cape May Point, NJ 08212-0488; 609-884-3829 www.capemaymarianists.org
MINISTRY WITH PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
National Catholic Partnership on Disabilities: sponsored by the USCCB http://www.ncpd.org/
FINANCES/STEWARDSHIP
https://compasscatholic.org/ This website is designed to help Catholics with money management. There are many free resources available, as well as programs for purchase.
www.ascensioncatholic.net/Living-a-Stewardship-Way-of-Life
http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/stewardship/
http://www.dioceseofscranton.org/giving/
VOLUNTEERING AS A FAMILY TO HELP OTHERS
Read about the “What?” and “Why?” of Catholic social action in America at Catholic Social Teaching, the USCCB webpage with related articles
What can we do?
- Your parish bulletin is a great place to start! See how your parish is reaching out to the needy in your neighborhood and volunteer to help out. If you know of a need that is not being met, attend the next parish Social Action or Ministry Coordinating Committee meeting and discuss what it would take to make your idea a reality.
- Volunteer at one of the diocesan soup kitchens
- St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen – Wilkes-Barre
- Saint Francis of Assisi Kitchen –Scranton
PRO-LIFE
Miracle of Life video from Catholic Media House on Vimeo https://vimeo.com/3091491
FAMILY SUPPORT
RESOURCES FOR ISSUES INVOLVING ABUSE/ADDICTION
Life Matters: Domestic Violence: an article by Frank J. Moncher, PhD
Domestic Violence information from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
http://www.pcadv.org/Find-Help/
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS/CHILD SAFETY
Family, Parenting, Pregnancy and Youth Services
Child protection/safe environment https://www.dioceseofscranton.org/child-protection-victim-assistance/
Cyber safety:
- http://www.netsmartzkids.org/
- http://www.connectsafely.org/
- https://www.dhs.gov/blog/2013/06/18/internet-safety-children
RESOURCES FOR POST-ABORTION HEALING
- Rachel’s Vineyard Post-Abortion Healing Retreat:
This confidential weekend retreat facilitates spiritual and emotional healing for men and women struggling with the pain of abortion. Exercises based on scripture are designed to help participants experience God’s mercy and compassion, and to reconcile with their church, their child, and with themselves. The retreat concludes with a Memorial Service and (Catholic) Mass of Entrustment. If your heart hears God’s gentle invitation, take courage, for you are being called home to heal. Financial assistance is available.
For Diocese of Scranton registration or information contact: Denise Mengak (570) 822-7118, ext. 3333, drowinski@csswb.org or Susan Walters suezq22@verizon.net
To learn more, or to register for a retreat: http://www.rachelsvineyard.org/
- National Hotline for Abortion Recovery –1-866-482-LIFE (866-482-5433) or internationalhelpline.org
MARRIAGE
Here is a collection of articles from a great resource for all the stages of married life, www.foryourmarriage.org, sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:
- Marriage as a Sacrament
- The Vocation of Marriage
- Planning a Catholic Wedding
- Natural Family Planning
- Marital Spirituality by Joann Heaney-Hunter, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Theology, St. John’s University (NY)
- How to Include Service to Others in Your Wedding Ceremony
- Frequently Asked Questions by Engaged Couples
- Must-Have Conversations
MARRIAGE LITURGY
YouTube video: “Saying I do: What happens at a Catholic Wedding” https://youtu.be/3uAHwtBRg5c.
OFFICIAL PAPAL BLESSING
Are you celebrating a major Wedding Anniversary? Are you interested in obtaining an Official Papal Blessing to help honor this important milestone or to celebrate a marriage?
Click here to learn more.
PRECANA/MARRIAGE PREPARATION
http://www.foryourmarriage.org/dating-engaged/must-have-conversations/)
ONLINE PRECANA
https://themarriagegroup.com/courses/living-our-faith-in-love/
ONLINE PRECANA – SPANISH
https://preparacionmatrimonialcatolica.com/
FOCCUS
“The FOCCUS© Inventory is designed to help engaged couples appreciate their unique relationship, learn more about themselves, and discuss topics important to their lifelong marriage.” www.FOCCUSinc.com.
CATHOLIC ENGAGED ENCOUNTER WEEKEND
http://www.engagedencounter.org/
MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT
PRAYER
Daily prayer downloads: http://www.pray-as-you-go.org
Prayer online: http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/online.html
Prayer in Married Life brochure
INTERFAITH/INTRAFAITH MARRIAGES
http://sites.sandiego.edu/interchurch/ is a terrific resource for discussion starters and recommendations for many aspects of combining faith lives.
GENERAL
Good News for Newlyweds Newsletter
REFOCCUS: An instrument to help couples identify and communicate about issues important to their relationship. FOCCUS, Inc., 3214 N. 60th St., Omaha, NE 68104, Phone: 888-874-2684 www.foccusinc.com
Susan Vogt webpage on marriage
Vibrant Faith at Home: This website, written by Catholic and mainline Protestant parish ministers, offers reflections and prayer experiences for couples at all stages as well as for families and individual adults. There are a variety of topics available. Everything you need is free and easily accessible, including links to helpful resources. http://www.vibrantfaithathome.org/
www.MarriagePreparation.com includes a variety of resources to build healthy marriages –no matter how many years you have been married.
“Forgiveness: healing the hurts in marriage” is an article on forgiveness in married life http://www.foryourmarriage.org/forgiveness-healing-the-hurts-in-marriage/.
The Gottman Institute: Information gathered through four decades of relationship research. Though this is a secular resource, and therefore not always in line with Catholic teaching, much useful information and many helpful relationship tips can be learned here.
BOOKS
For Better, for Worse, for God by Mary Jo Pedersen, Loyola Press – This is a book that relates the spirituality and theology of marriage to everyday life; with reflection and discussion questions throughout the book.
Hold Me Tight by Dr. Sue Johnson, Little, Brown & Company – This is a book that explains the scientific research behind romantic relationships and how married couples can communicate better to stay together. See also, Dr. Sue Johnson’s videos on www.YouTube.com: “What Is a Healthy Marriage?” (3:52) and/or “The Laws of Love” (13:50)
MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT RETREATS
-
- Worldwide Marriage Encounter: The emphasis of Worldwide Marriage Encounter, a marriage enrichment program, 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’s not a marriage clinic, nor group sensitivity. It’s a unique approach aimed at revitalizing Christian Marriage. This is a time for your spouse and you to be alone together, to rediscover each other and focus on your relationship for an entire weekend. Every marriage deserves that kind of attention! To learn more about Marriage Encounter and to find weekends in other dioceses or faith expressions, call 800-787-7679 or visit http://www.wwme.org/
-
- Marianist Family Retreat Center: Marianist fathers offer get-away retreats in Cape May Point, NJ http://capemaymarianists.org/
-
- Franciscan Spiritual Center: This center offers retreats, spiritual direction and online spirituality. They are located in Aston, PA and at www.fscaston.org
NFP
NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING ONLINE
NFP Life – https://themarriagegroup.com/courses/nfp-life/
Featured in our popular Pre-Cana, Living Our Faith in Love, this course provides an overview of the concept of NFP and sets the stage for a more in-depth teaching of a specific method.
Billings Ovulation Method Course – https://learnnfponline.com/billings-ovulation-method-2/
NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING ONLINE INSTRUCTION FOR SPANISH SPEAKING COUPLES
FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT NFP AND THE THEOLOGY OF THE BODY
Humanae Vitae: a letter from Pope Paul VI on contraception http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-vi_enc_25071968_humanae-vitae_en.html
Theology of the Body: a series of talks by Blessed Pope John Paul II on the nature of men and women and the holiness of sexuality within marriage http://www.ewtn.com/library/PAPALDOC/JP2TBIND.HTM
Natural Family Planning FAQs: an article from www.foryourmarriage.org, a great resource for all the stages of married life sponsored by the Unite States Conference of Catholic bishops. . http://www.foryourmarriage.org/family-planning/
SUPPORT FOR HURTING MARRIAGES
Finding Help When Your Marriage Is in Trouble: an article from www.ForYourMarriage.org
Difficulties Married Couples Face from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
COUNSELING FOR ANY NEED OR CRISIS
INFORMATION ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Life Matters: Domestic Violence: an article by Frank J. Moncher, PhD
Local hotline/resource center for anywhere in PA: sponsored by PA Coalition against Domestic Violence
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 or http://www.thehotline.org/
Domestic Violence information from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
RETREATS FOR RELATIONSHIP HEALING
Retrouvaille: Sponsored by the Diocese of Scranton and others, Retrouvaille is a weekend program for married couples who may be experiencing tension, stress and loneliness in the marriage relationship. The program helps couples — even those separated and divorced — to communicate better and resolve conflicts in their relationships.
Beginning Experience: The ecumenical Beginning Experience weekends are an approved program designed for those suffering the loss of a spouse through death, divorce or separation.
Rachel’s Vineyard Post-Abortion Healing Retreat: This confidential weekend retreat facilitates spiritual and emotional healing for men and women struggling with the pain of abortion.
ANNULMENTS/DIVORCE
Information about the annulment process in the Diocese of Scranton –the Diocesan Tribunal website
“Understanding Annulments” by John T. Catoir, J.C.D from https://www.franciscanmedia.org/
Annulments: Information from For Your Marriage (https://www.foryourmarriage.org/annulments/)
Divorce: Information from For Your Marriage (https://www.foryourmarriage.org/divorce/)
“Pope Francis Reforms Annulment Process: Nine Things You Need to Know and Share” by Jimmy Akin, Sept 8, 2015, on www.catholic.com.
Annulments Information from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Divorce Information from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.