Mission Statement

To build a civilization of love by promoting respect for human life, human dignity, and the essential role of the family.

Objectives

1. To promote the teachings of the Catholic Church regarding respect for human life and the inherent dignity of the human person.

2. To support and strengthen the fundamental role of the family in society.

3. To promote the Church's teaching on natural family planning.

Upcoming Conferences and Workshops
 

Ministries/Programs Involved

1. Sponsor-Couple Programs (parish based) - the Life and Family Resource Centre offers continued training and support.

1. Engaged Encounter - a marriage preparation retreat weekend in Calgary for engaged couples.
   

1. Marriage Preparation Weekend Program sponsored by Catholic Family Services. For more information or registration call 403 233-2360.

1. Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program: A program for couples who
1. have been previously married
2. are marrying after extended cohabitation
3. are preparing for convalidation of marriage
4. are mature couples
5. are beginning marriage with children

Those planning on attending the "For Better and For Ever" marriage preparation program are required to attend one ORIENTATION evening and one WEEKEND SESSION.

2010
Orientation - Monday Evening 7-9 PM	Weekend Sessions Fri 7-9 PM & Sat 9AM - 4PM
August 23	Sep 10-11
Sept 13	Oct 1-2
Oct 18	Nov 5-6
Nov 8	Nov 26-27
2011
Jan 17	Feb 4-5
Feb 14	Mar 4-5
Mar 14	Apr 1-2
Apr 18	May 6-7
May 23	Jun 10-11

The cost for the "For Better and For Ever" weekend marriage preparation program is $175.00. This includes one set of the "For Better and For Ever" work books, Saturday's lunch, snacks and beverages. For more information or registration contact the Life & Family Resource Centre @ 218-5505 or via e-mail lfrcast@rcdiocese-calgary.ab.ca

Marriage Enrichment

1. Marriage Encounter - a retreat weekend for married couples.

1. Refocus - a self-directed study program for couples (can be used individually or in groups)
2. Rekindle the Passion series is presented thoughout the year so please check the church bulletins for times and place. Also check our Calendar of Events
   

Separated and Divorced Ministry

Transitions - is a 15-week peer support program for those recently separated/ divorced.
Presently the Life and Family Resource Centre offers two programs: one at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, the other at St. Luke's Parish in the Northwest of Calgary. For start dates see our events calendar below.

Effective Co-Parenting: Putting Kids First is an educational program for separated and divorced parents to help raise their children through this difficult time. This will be held on six evenings (see calendar for dates and times) at the Catholic Pastoral Centre. For more information or registration contact the Life & Family Resource Centre
 at 403-218-5504.

Active Catholic Adults (ACA)

The Active Catholic Adults (ACA) is a group formed to meet the spiritual, social and recreational needs of Catholic Adults. Meetings are usually scheduled on the first Sunday evening of the month with the exception of July and August. A variety of guest speakers are presenting on topics chosen by the group. Other activities are “Dinner & a Movie”, volunteering at “Feed the Hungry” program, Retreats, Prayer Groups, etc.

During the summer Active Catholic Adult participants are invited to partake in a variety of Outdoor Activities, such as Hikes, BBQs, and Mass on the Mountain. For more information e-mail  calgaryaca-owner@yahoogroups.ca.

Project Rachel

Project Rachel - is a ministry offering post-abortion healing and reconciliation. For specific dates, times, and location of events visit our Life and Family Resource Centre & Project Rachel Events Calendar. Also visit our Project Rachel web page

Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat is a weekend journey of healing and reconciliation for women and men who are suffering distress from a past abortion experience.  For more information or registration contact Project Rachel at 403-218-5506. Dates for the retreat: Oct 15- 17, 2010.

Calgary Catholic Medical Association

For Catholic Health Care Professionals (Physicians, Dentists, Nurses, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Physiotherapists, Respiratory Therapists, Chiropractors, Chaplains, Pastoral Care Workers, etc.). The committee meets on the first Saturday of each month at the Catholic Pastoral Centre. An annual general meeting for all members takes place in the spring. For more information or to join contact 403-218-5504.

Life Education Committee

Strengthens and coordinates pro-life educational initiatives in the Diocese of Calgary. The committee includes representatives from various groups and agencies in the Diocese.

The Life and Family Resource Centre is affiliated with:

1. Natural Family Planning

Serena
Natural Family Planning Association (Alberta)

2. Pro-life, Educational Agencies

3. FaithLink — The Life and Family Resource Centre is a member of FAITHLINK, an ecumenical outreach service connecting people belonging to faith communities to the Alliance to End Violence Resource Centre. The Alliance to End Violence is Calgary’s resource centre for family and sexual violence. We work with more than 50 community partners to enhance services for victims of interpersonal violence.

How?

1. By promoting prayer for the reverence of human life and support for families

2. By supporting and resourcing the initiatives of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Holy See concerning respect for human life and the promotion of the family

3. By liaising with the Religious Education and Family Life departments of the Catholic School Boards of the Diocese

4. By maintaining communication and cooperative links within the diocese with groups that are engaged in promoting the family, natural family planning, and respect for human life from conception to natural death

5. By facilitating unity among various pro-life groups and agencies, in the spirit of the motto: "In essential things, unity, in doubtful things liberty, in all things charity"

6. By acting in concert with the other diocesan offices in the major social and ethical issues of the day. Examples of issues that fall within such a mandate include: abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, new reproductive and genetic technologies, violence against women, family violence, concerns of the elderly, the economy and the family, the spirituality of the family, supporting the traditional definition of marriage.

7. And by developing press releases and educational articles for the secular and religious press.

Web sites

Marriage Encounter
Serena (Natural Family Planning)
Association of Interchurch Families
Catholic Organization for Life and Family
Retrouvaille (for troubled marriages)
After Abortion
Ontario Conference of Separated and Divorced Catholics
North American Conference of Separated and Divorced Catholics, Inc.
Calgary Catholic Family Services
Catholic Engaged Encounter
Sponsor Couple Program by Fr. Robert Ruhnke, C.Ss.R

Life and Family Resource Centre Calendar of Events

Sep 21, 2010-Jan 11, 2011 Transitions begins at the Catholic Pastoral Centre for a 15 week session. Call 403-218-5505 for registration and information.

Co-Parenting – ongoing registration please call 403-218-5505

Oct 1-3, 2010 Retrouvaille weekend for information and registration go to www.helpourmarriage.com

Oct 15- 17, 2010 Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat

Oct 22, 2010 “A Song for Rachel Concert” the 12th Annual Benefit concert will be held at St. Luke Parish. Watch for details.

For more information on our programs and events contact us at the above posted phone numbers or e-mail addresses.