Parish-Based Programs
ELIZABETH MINISTRY
Elizabeth Ministry is an outreach program 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, and assist women during this unique time of life. If interested, please contact one of the program coordinators listed here (Ken, the list below can go on a linked page) or call the Family Life Office at 609-406-7400, x 5558. The Elizabeth Ministry website (www.elizabethministry.com) is chock full of helpful information for women during all the stages of childbearing.
Click here for a list of Elizabeth Ministry contacts.
FAMILY MINISTRIES
"We can be sure of one thing: God's family will always be present and those who belong to this family will never be alone."
Pope Benedict XVI, January 8, 2006
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 checking out what's available in your area, click here for more information.
FAMILY-CENTERED FAITH COMMUNITIES
Christian Family Movement
The Christian Family Movement (www.cfm.org) (CFM) is a national network of parish/neighborhood small groups of Catholics and their families. Parents meet regularly in one another's homes or at the parish. Using themed program booklets to promote group interaction, Christian values are reinforced and families are encouraged to reach out in action to others. CFM promotes Catholic teaching on marriage and family life, social justice and ecumenism. Program materials are available to preview at no cost to the parish. Parishes interested in learning more about CFM are encouraged to call Linda Richardson at the Family Life Office, 609-403-7155.
FAMILIA of Central New Jersey
FAMILIA, (www.familiausa.net) an acronym for Family Life in America, is an international outreach developed by Catholic laity who are committed to the well-being of 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 self-study programs of 15 sessions in local parishes.
If interested, please call the Family Life Office at 609.406.7400, x 5558.
The Mother of God Community
The Mother of God Community (www.motherofgod.net) is a Catholic Charismatic Covenant Community in Monmouth County. The Community celebrates and encourages the evangelizing influence of families, and includes worship, Life in the Spirit Seminars and marriage retreats, as well as outreach to youth. The community functions with the permission of the Bishop John M. Smith, under the guidance of Rev. Jeffrey Kegley, Spiritual Director of the Community. For more information, please call 732. 264.2122.
Bukas-Loob sa Diyos
Bukas-Loob sa Diyos (Open in Spirit to God), or BLD, is a charismatic prayer community in the Diocese of Trenton whose focus is "restoring the family to Christ." The community's regular activities include worship, retreats and scripture study for adults and youth. Membership is open to all persons desiring to deepen their relationship with the Lord.