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Office of Family Life/Respect Life: Family Life Programs
In the rhythm of daily life, families humbly but radically change the world, as they seek to follow Jesus. Day by day, through simple gestures that brighten the lives of others, they bring to the heart of the world the Christian values of generosity and love … they transform daily life into an extraordinary meeting place with God who calls Christians to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth.
32nd Meeting of the Bishops of the Church in America, San Antonio, Texas, Feb. 2004
The Family Life/Respect Life Office is dedicated to promoting and serving the family, in all its diverse forms in the world today. Through a variety of programs and ministries, we offer support to you, our brothers and sisters in the family of the Diocese of Trenton.
Bukas-Loob Sa Diyos
Bukas-Loob sa Diyos (Open in Spirit to God), or BLD, is a charismatic prayer community that has been operating in Diocese of Trenton with the Bishop's permission through the Office of Family Life/Respect Life. The BLD's evangelization and formation programs are geared towards "restoring the family to Christ." Since its inception in June 2001, the BLD has held Marriage Encounters, Life in the Spirit seminars, Youth Encounters, and Youth Life in the Spirit Seminars. The community's regular activities include weekly prayer meetings and bible reflections for adults, youth (ages 14-20) and children (ages 5-13) and Eucharistic Celebrations, held every Friday evening at St. Mary of the Lake in Lakewood and at St. Aloysius in Jackson. The BLD also offers free basic teachings on the Catholic faith through its Christian Discipleship Formation Program. Membership is open to anyone desiring to deepen their relationship with the Lord. For contact information, please call the office of Family Life/Respect Life at ext. 5559.
True Love Waits Teen Chastity Program
The Office of Family Life/Respect Life sponsors parish-based True Love Waits programs for youth and young adults in the parishes of the Diocese. Through a variety of multi-media presentations, group discussion, and creative activities, this formational experience addresses the Catholic Church's perspective on relationships, sexually transmitted diseases, respect life issues, chastity and decision-making.
True Love Waits facilitators' training session for parish staff and those serving in religious education, school, and youth ministries will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at St. Aloysius Parish in Jackson, N.J. Please call the Office of Family Life/Respect Life for further information at
609.406.7400 ext. 5558.
Parish Liaisons for Family Life
and Marriage
Parish liaisons meet semi-annually to discuss the needs of the families and married couples in the parishes of the diocese, to dialogue about current issues affecting families and marriage, and to help plan for the future. During the meetings, participants share success stories, concerns, legislative information and topics of interest in order to strengthen family life in our diocese.
Elizabeth Ministry
Elizabeth Ministry is an outreach by which women help other women and their families during a time of pregnancy, birth, adoption or infant crisis. The role of Elizabeth Ministers is to affirm, support, encourage, and assist women during this unique time in their lives. Through this ministry, births and baptisms are celebrated, and the losses of infant death, failed adoption, and infertility are mourned. Elizabeth Ministry is a process of engaging women to minister to other women in similar circumstances.
For additional information, please contact the Office of Family Life/Respect Life, 609-406-7400, ext. 5558.
Elizabeth Ministries
MERCER COUNTY
Hamilton, Our Lady of Sorrows – St. Anthony
Doreen Gallway, 609.587.4372
Princeton, St. Paul
Kathleen Printon, 609.924.1743
MONMOUTH COUNTY
Avon-by-the-Sea, St. Elizabeth of Hungary
Pam Carter, 732.774.6406
Belmar, St. Rose
LisaMarie Yavarone, 732.681.0512
Manasquan, St. Denis
Deborah D’Agostaro, 732.223.9823
Rumson, Holy Cross
Lori LaPlante, 732.842.0348
OCEAN COUNTY
Brick, St. Dominic
Sally Buecker, 732.899.8440
Family Life Ministries
Parishes throughout the diocese offer support to families as they face the day-to-day challenges of Christian family living. If you are interested in a
program, please call the contact person listed below.
Marriage and Family Life Ministries and Programs
BURLINGTON COUNTY
Cinnaminson, St. Charles Borromeo
Moms and Tots, A mother and child/ren
support group, Judy Stokes, 856.786.7370
Marlton, St. Isaac Jogues
Joyful Men in Jesus, Fr. Charles Muorah,
856.797.0999
Knitting & Praying Ministry, Lori Mietka,
856.985.5543
Riverton, Sacred Heart Parish
Moms and Tots Devotional Group
Mrs. Hope Blanch, 856.235.1385
Men of God Group
Deacon Mike Stinsman, 856.786.0445
Marlton, St. Joan of Arc
St. Gianna Family Faith Society
Bob Baranowski, 609.304.9856
MOMS-Maria Chalmers, 856.983.0077
MERCER COUNTY
Princeton Junction, St. David the King
Family Welcoming Program
Nanci Bachman, 609.275.2111 ext. 11
MONMOUTH COUNTY
Atlantic Highlands, St. Agnes
Family Outreach. Ray Rainville,
732.291.0272 ext.118
Colts Neck, St. Mary Parish
MOMS (Ministry of Motherhood)
Family Enrichment
Mom-to-Mom: Growing as a Woman,
Growing as a Mother
Lucille Castro, 732.780.7343 ext. 323
Homdel, St. Catherine
St. Anne’s Guild
Maggie Zavattieri, 732.842.3963 ext. 13
St. Andrew’s Men’s Group
Paul Orecchia, 732.739.9703
Mom’s Group
Susan Hammer, 732.335.9452
Red Bank, St. Anthony of Padua
Moms Nurturing Moms
Susan de Brigard, 732.747.2377
Wayside, St. Anselm
MOMS
Musical Parenting
Mrs. Sandy Mullarkey, 732.493.4411
OCEAN COUNTY
Barnegat, St. Mary
Monica’s Daughters- Intercessory Prayer Group
Irene Kutner, 609.693.5029 or
Jean Esposito, 609.607.1731
Brick, Epiphany
Mother’s Support Group
Kathleen Nowak, 732.840.9545
Brick, St. Dominic
MOMS
Maureen Cahill, 732.785.1527
Forked River, St. Pius X
God’s Little Angels
Deidre Mitchelli, 609.242.2082
Lakewood, St. Mary of the Lake
Monthly Marriage Anniversary Blessing
Deacon Tony Martucci, 732.363.0139
Lavallette/Normandy Beach, Church of St.Bonaventure – Our Lady of Peace
Prayer Blanket Ministry
Mrs. Donna Hanna, 732.854.2286
Whiting, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Families of Nazareth
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Downing, 732.350.3343
The Mother of God Community
The Mother of God Community is a Catholic Charismatic Covenant Community in Monmouth County. Inspired by the Acts of the Apostles, the members respond to God's invitation to live each day as brothers and sisters in Christ. The community consists of married couples, single men and women, clergy, and religious who worship in various parishes. The Community celebrates and encourages the evangelizing influence of families.
In addition to celebrating Eucharistic liturgy together, Community life includes First Friday Healing Masses, Life in the Spirit Seminars, Marriage in the Holy Spirit Retreats, Men's & Women's Prayer Meetings and Retreats, Children and Youth Outreaches.
The Mother of God Community operates with the permission of the Most Rev. John M. Smith, Bishop of Trenton, and under the guidance of Father Jeffrey Kegley, Spiritual Director of the Community. For more information, please visit www.motherofgod.net or call (732) 264-2122.
Familia of Central New Jersey
FAMILIA, an acronym for Family Life in America, is an international outreach developed by Catholic laity who are committed to the well-being and faith formation of each and every one of our families. The programs sponsored by FAMILIA foster the development of religious, moral, psychological and social values in the family. FAMILIA of Central New Jersey sponsors selfstudy programs of 15 sessions in local parishes. If
interested, please call 609.406.7400, ext. 5558.
Stella Maris Retreat House
Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace
981 Ocean Avenue, Elberon, NJ 07740
Phone: 732-229-0602
Fax: 732-229-8960
Administrator: Sister Clare McNerney, C.S.J.P.
www.stellamarisretreatcenter.com
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace invite you to share their Retreat Center with its magnificent new chapel building and enclosed promenade overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on the beautiful Jersey shore. The Center is built in the Bavarian style architecture and has a unique and extensive
history.
Stella Maris Retreat Center, a place of peace, personal renewal, and refreshment, hosts and sponsors programs for groups and individuals of all faiths and cultures who seek holistic renewal in their daily lives. If interested, please call Stella Maris Retreat House at 732.229.0602.
The Marianist Family Retreat Center
PO Box 488
Cape May Point, NJ 08212
Phone: 609-884-3829
www.capemaymarianists.org
The mission of the Marianist Family Retreat Center is the transformation of society and the enrichment of the Church through a wide choice of communal retreat experiences for all who are seeking personal and spiritual growth. Believing that the family is sacred, the Marianists provide retreat programs structured upon six essential elements: Hospitality, Affirmation, Communication, Forgiveness, Commitment and the Call to Serve. Retreats include Summer Family week-long retreats and Advent
Family retreats. The Center also has many specialized offerings, including Latino Family Retreats, Black Catholic Family Retreats, Retreats for Families with Young Children, Homeschooler’s Family Retreats and Single-Parent Family Retreats. If you are interested in a unique opportunity to grow in family spirituality and unity, please contact the Marianist Family Retreat Center.
Educational Initiatives
The Office of Family Life/Respect Life, in collaboration with the Offices of Catechesis and Catholic Education, is responsible for providing guidelines for Family Life/Respect Life curriculum in the diocese. The Office reviews
and approves texts and materials pertaining to family life and respect life issues. The Office also provides inservice programs and speakers for staff and students in high schools, elementary schools and religious education programs of the diocese. Speakers on topics of human sexuality, respect for life and chastity education should be pre-approved; please call us at 609.406.7400, ext. 5558.
Contact Us:
Linda G. Richardson
Director: Family Life/Respect Life
609-406-7400 ext. 5555
lricha@dioceseoftrenton.org
Office of Family Life/Respect Life
Diocesan Pastoral Center
PO Box 5147
701 Lawrenceville Road
Trenton, NJ 08638-0147
609-406-7400 Fax: 609-406-7403
Email: family@dioceseoftrenton.org
Director: Linda Richardson
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