By Eric Girten
The Catholic Kitchen
Lent is a time of spiritual renewal. It is easy to fall into a routine where the responsibilities of daily life begin to overshadow our spiritual lives. As Christians, we are first-and-foremost called to imitate the life of Jesus Christ, which becomes increasingly difficult if we do not periodically recalibrate our lives.
Along with this inner reflection or examination of our spiritual lives, we are similarly called to examine how we are living out that spirituality. As the Office of Family and Life continues to grow, more opportunities are available for those who are interested in this area of ministry. Below are some of the opportunities available. If any pique your interest or may interest someone you know, please reach out to me. I pray that everyone’s Lent will be spiritually fruitful.
- (NEW) Facilitators for Life Giving Wounds (Support for Adult Children of Divorce)
- We will have our first retreat this August provided by the creators of this program. Pray for those who will be called to this retreat and it is my hope that some will be called to continue on this ministry afterward.
- Unveiled Marriage Preparation Retreat Facilitator Couples
- The OFL sponsors three marriage preparation retreats per year. There are two facilitator couples per retreat who guide the couples through the program. Weekend food and lodging expenses are free to the facilitators.
- We are currently looking for two new facilitator couples to join the five who are already involved.
- Parish Sponsor Couples
- Parish level sponsor couple programs are opportunities for parishes to wrap around and celebrate their young adults as they prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage. If your parish currently uses a sponsor couple program, contact your parish office to get involved. If your parish does not currently have a program and may be interested, feel free to contact me for more information.
- Natural Family Planning
- There is a group of dedicated individuals who work to get Natural Family Planning information out into the community. NFP is a natural, non-chemical, effective, Catholic form of family planning. They can always use assistance in a variety of areas.
- Respect Life Coordinators
- Respect Life Coordinators are parishioners who highlight programs and needs in the area of the Sanctity of Life. There are several parishes within the diocese that could use a Respect Life Coordinator as part of their ministry.
- Peace in the Mourning
- This is a support program for widows in the diocese. A group is forming to discuss the planning of the second PIM retreat here in the diocese.
- Project Rachel
- This is a post abortion support ministry for those whose life has been touched by abortion in some way. There are various ways to get involved in this ministry.