Family Life

Family Support

Catholic Counseling Services

Catholic based counseling can be found at the following organizations for individuals, couples, children, families.

Sacred Heart Counseling Services

A branch of Catholic Charities, Sacred Heart Counseling Services assists men and women, married couples, children, families and adolescents. They offer counseling and mental health services that are faithful to the Catholic Church, and help to restore and strengthen the family and parish communities.

Visit the website or call 720.377.1359

More Info

St. Raphael Counseling | Couples Counseling

St. Raphael Counseling provides individual, married couples, family, and child/adolescent therapy. They also provide psychological assessment, pre-marital counseling, and highly confidential porn recovery groups.

Visit the website or call 720.675.7796

More Info

Dealing with Grief and Loss of Loved Ones

Angel Bed Project

In times of loss, many families do not have the financial means to afford a burial. Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services of the Archdiocese of Denver provides the services for stillbirths and miscarriages once per month and typically multiple burials are done at the same time. For these services, the “Angel Bed Project” can provide, at no charge, proper caskets, or Angel Beds, to those in need.

For more information, call Pat Padia at 303-919-6808

Parish Based Grief Support Groups

Most Precious Blood Life After Loss – Grief Support Group meets every second Tuesday of the month in the Parish Center, Conference Room A, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The mission of the support group is to allow individuals to share their experiences, feelings, and emotions following the death of loved ones with others who are on the very same journey. In the sharing, we often discover new ways of coping and begin to discover new strength and hope. The group is facilitated by Rosemary Claassen, a MPB parishioner and an experienced grief group facilitator.

For more information, call Rosemary at 303-953-2443.

Spirited Religious Education

Special Religious Education and Pastoral Care for Persons with Developmental Disabilities

The Office of Special Religious Education and Pastoral Care with Persons with Developmental Disabilities provides parish-based religious education programs, tutoring in parishes not hosting specific programs, home visits, and the provision of resources to families, as needed. Liturgy and Sacraments are celebrated in all programs. “Awareness Masses” are also held in some parishes during the regular Sunday liturgy to celebrate and honor the special education families.

Archbishop’s Annual Mass for Students with Special Needs
April 22, 2018 – 2:30pm
All Saints Church
Archbishop Aquila – celebrant

I have a family member with a developmental disability, can they receive the sacraments?

Most likely they can, but call the Office of Special Religious Education for more information at 303-934-1999.

What parishes offer Special Religious Education support?

St. Mary, Littleton (Director: Susan Whittaker)
St. Catherine of Siena, Denver (Director: Anita Garcia)
Queen of Peace, Aurora (Director: Peggy Leichty)
All Saints, Denver (Director: Greg Hastings)
St. Thomas More, Englewood (Director: Sheri Funderburk)
St. Jude, Lakewood (Director: Diane Schreiber)
Immaculate Heart of Mary, Northglenn (Director: Larry Lindgren)
St. Frances Cabrini, Littleton (Director: Kristen Conrad)
Light of the World, Littleton (Contact: Barbara Schick)

For more information about Special Religious Education or one of the parish programs listed, contact Sister Mary Catherine Widger, SL at 303-934-1999.

Pastoral Care

The Special Religious Education Office also provides a ministry of religious nurture to the residents of the Wheat Ridge Regional Center. Because these residents have severe/profound disabilities they benefit best from a program of religious nurture and supportive Christian presence. End of life care and funerals are provided along with ongoing support to Ridge staff persons. Time spent with these residents includes prayer, singing and gentle presence.

Family Catechesis

To support parental involvement in catechesis, the Office of Evangelization and Family Life Ministries offers two resources for parents of children going through religious education.

First, a lectio divina series on the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Confirmation, and the Eucharist, called Sacraments through Scripture: A Still Small Voice.

Second, a reflection on how parents support their children by developing their own relationship with God, called Responding to God’s Invitation.

Download Resources/Learn More

Beginning in the Fall of 2018, the Office will also offer parish based retreats for families called Building Family Culture. They will be led by Dr. Jared Staudt and will focus on the themes of prayer, imagination, family activities, and community. Please contact Jared to schedule at 303 282 3303 or jared.staudt@archden.org.

Protect Your family From Internet Dangers

Recommended Computer Filters

1. Covenant Eyes

Compatible with Windows, MacOS, iOs, Android, Kindle Fire – For computer/iphones/ipad/ipod

Covenant Eyes is a monthly subscription service that gives you a report of the websites your kids visit, the search terms they use, and the YouTube videos they watch. This service protects them online with a filter that’s tailored to your needs and blocks the Internet completely at certain times a day. This service also protects your family by following you and your family on all the computers, smartphones, and tablets you use.

More Info

Educate Your Family About Online Dangers

Covenant Eyes offers a number of free e-books, blog posts,videos , and more to keep you informed about the risks your family faces online. The resources they feature will help you explain the value of “Internet Accountability” to your family.

Accountable Kids: Explaining Covenant Eyes to your family

As parents, we hope “parental controls” are not just a tactic we use to keep our kids in line while they are under our roof. We want them to buy into the need for Internet protection for themselves. We want them to become their own watchdogs online. We want them to leave home as young adults prepared for a world without filters.

This guide will help you explain to your kids why you have chosen as a family to use Covenant Eyes.

Internet Accountability at Home: A Conversation Guide for Parents

Proactive parents make a habit of talking to their children about what they see and do online. When parents monitor where their children go online using Internet Accountability Reports, Internet use is no longer a secret habit but something discussed openly at home.

Use this guide to have regular conversations with your kids about their online activity.

2. K9 Web Protection | What do you want to protect?

K9 Web Protection is a free Internet filter and parental control software for your home Windows or Mac computer. K9 puts YOU in control of the Internet so you can protect your kids. Porn thrives on shame and secrets. Our Internet Accountability service is designed to help you overcome porn by monitoring your Internet activity and sending a Report to a trusted friend who holds you accountable for your online choices.

More Info

3. Net Nanny | Allows the Good, Keeps Out the Bad

For computer and android.

Net Nanny is a powerful parental control and internet safety solution that helps parents protect their children and monitor their Internet use.

More Info

4. Safe Eyes – McAfee Secure

For computers/iphone/ipad/ipod/android.

Same Sex Attraction

“We do not cease praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, …for all endurance and patience, with joy giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.” – Colossians 1:9-12

Monica’s Cross

Monica’s Cross is a support site for parents, families and friends of people who experience same sex attraction, or what some people call homosexuality, gay, lesbian, LGBTQ, etc. This site is designed for serious Catholics and other Christians who recognize the truth of the Church’s teachings on same sex attraction.

More Info

Courage | A Roman Catholic Apostolate

Courage is a support group for men and women who have same-sex attraction and who desire to live a chaste Christian life. The group meets once a week.

Encourage is a support group for their family and friends.The group meets once a month.

More Info English More Info Spanish

Denver Chapter Contacts:

Denver Chapter Contacts: Fr. Dan Norick at 720-434-2638 or Deacon Dennis Morales at 303-333-0878

Living Catholic

The following resources provide ideas to help your family live being Catholic every day: define and live your values, teach your children Theology of the Body, engage in faith-building dinnertime conversations, practice family prayer and more.

Families of Character

This course is a self-taught course for either a group of parents (recommended) or an individual parent or couple. The content engages parents to challenge themselves to learn what human character is and how to better develop it in themselves and in their families. Families of Character encourage that small groups, headed up by a facilitator, meet in the comfort of their homes once a month as a primary means of connecting parents and exploring what it means to have a family of character. Groups usually consist of 2-8 couples/single parents.

More Info

Resources on Theology of the Body for Children

Theology of the Body is the topic of a series of 129 lectures given by Pope John Paul II during his Wednesday audiences in St. Peter’s Square and Paul VI Audience Hall between September 5, 1979 and November 28, 1984. There are resources that many parishes use for pre-teens, teens, and adults, and now there are resources for parents to use with younger children. The following resources are designed to be used with children from toddler to age 8.

1. Forever You: A Book About Your Soul and Body by Nicole Lataif

This resource for Christian faith formation introduces children ages 4-8 to what being human is all about. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, or catechist, you will find this resource to be helpful in explaining the concept of a “soul” to your children.

For more information click here.

2. Building Blocks of ToB for Tots (3 Volume Set) by Monica Ashour

“Everybody Has a Body: God Made Boys and Girls”
“Every Body Is Smart: God Helps Me Listen and Choose”
“Every Body Is a Gift: God Made Us to Love”

Young children have questions about their bodies, too. When society says that gender is subjective, how can parents uphold traditional values about the beauty and dignity of the human body? The three board books in the series are ideal for children ages 2 to 5. Simple stories cover topics including gender differences, self-respect, and self-giving. Each book includes a parent note at the end.

3. Building Blocks of ToB for Kids (3 Volume Set) by Monica Ashour

“Every Body Has Something to Give”
“Every Body Has Something to Say”
“God Has a Plan for Boys and for Girls”

“Who am I?” is a question everyone asks, even the very young. In a culture of confused and misdirected values, it is difficult to raise children to understand that they are created in the image of God. These books seek to affirm the dignity of the human person — body and soul — according to God’s plan. Simple stories cover topics including gender identity, body language, and self-giving love. Ideal for ages 4-7.

For more information click here.

5 Ways to a Stronger Family

Prayer Resources For Your Family

A Month of Dinnertime Conversations [ENGLISH] [ESPAÑOL]
Your family is important! And dinnertime is one of the best opportunities to strengthen your family, learn about each other’s days, and to share and grow in your Catholic faith.

Family-Friendly Scriptural Meditations on the Rosary [ENGLISH] [ESPAÑOL]
The following is a series of meditations
on each set of Mysteries of the Rosary.
For individuals, simply meditate on a
single paragraph before praying the
corresponding decade of the Rosary.
In family settings, parents can use these paragraphs as entry points for teaching the faith within the home.

Single or Divorced Parents

Ministries for Divorced and Single Parents

St. John the Evangelist (Loveland): Catholic Single Parent Ministry

The Catholic Single Parent Ministry provides a faith-based support group to affirm the dignity of the single parent through their relationship with Christ and the Church. This is a place of connection and community for Catholic single parents. This group meets the second Friday of the month (January – October) at 7 PM in the parish school.

More information: singleparentministry15@gmail.com

St. Thomas More: Single and Raising Saints

A spiritually supportive group that provides fellowship and guidance to single-parent families as well as helps them become disciples of the Catholic faith in our neighborhoods and parish community. Cost is $15.00 for resources.

More information: Sandra Schwab, 303-221-9352 or sandras@stthomasmore.org

St. Thomas More: Surviving Divorce

Join our 12-week Surviving Divorce program, which covers shock, grief, anger, forgiveness, finances, annulment and remarriage. Cost is $15.00 for resources.

More information: Sandra Schwab, 303-221-9352 or sandras@stthomasmore.org

Spirit of Christ: Divorce Ministry

The mission of this ministry is to provide compassionate Christian education and awareness that helps those dealing with separation or divorce to heal and rebuild their lives. This group meets throughout the year on Thursdays at 7 PM.

More information: divorceministry@soc.org or http://www.spiritofchrist.org/divorce-rainbows.html

Vocation Discernment

A vocation is a call from God to live our lives a certain way. All Catholic parents are called to make their home a “domestic church” where their children meet Christ, grow in virtue, and are prepared for the vocation God calls them to. In our families, how can we encourage an openness to God’s call? Here are 7 steps from Vianney Vocations to help your family get started.

Snuggle up and read a saint story
Watch a movie about a saint or a blessed
Talk about authentic love and defend the sacrament of marriage when it is depicted incorrectly
Play dress up: as priests, nuns and saints
Pray together for more vocations
Talk about vocations
Befriend priests and religious

For the complete brochure, go to vianneyvocations.com

For parishes we recommend the book Hundredfold, A guide to Parish Vocation Ministry by Rhonda Gruenewald. Published by Vianney Vocations.

Family Life

Download the Pastoral Letter

Family Support

Catholic Counseling Services

Visit the website or call 720.377.1359

St. Raphael Counseling provides individual, married couples, family, and child/adolescent therapy. They also provide psychological assessment, pre-marital counseling, and highly confidential porn recovery groups.

Visit the website or call 720.675.7796

Dealing with Grief and Loss of Loved Ones

For more information, call Pat Padia at 303-919-6808

Most Precious Blood Life After Loss – Grief Support Group meets every second Tuesday of the month in the Parish Center, Conference Room A, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

For more information, call Rosemary at 303-953-2443.

Spirited Religious Education

Special Religious Education and Pastoral Care for Persons with Developmental Disabilities

Archbishop’s Annual Mass for Students with Special Needs April 22, 2018 – 2:30pm All Saints Church Archbishop Aquila – celebrant

I have a family member with a developmental disability, can they receive the sacraments?

Most likely they can, but call the Office of Special Religious Education for more information at 303-934-1999.

What parishes offer Special Religious Education support?

For more information about Special Religious Education or one of the parish programs listed, contact Sister Mary Catherine Widger, SL at 303-934-1999.

Pastoral Care

Family Catechesis

To support parental involvement in catechesis, the Office of Evangelization and Family Life Ministries offers two resources for parents of children going through religious education.

First, a lectio divina series on the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Confirmation, and the Eucharist, called Sacraments through Scripture: A Still Small Voice.

Download Resources/Learn More

Second, a reflection on how parents support their children by developing their own relationship with God, called Responding to God’s Invitation.

Download Resources/Learn More

Protect Your family From Internet Dangers

Recommended Computer Filters

1. Covenant Eyes

Compatible with Windows, MacOS, iOs, Android, Kindle Fire – For computer/iphones/ipad/ipod

Educate Your Family About Online Dangers

Covenant Eyes offers a number of free e-books, blog posts,videos, and more to keep you informed about the risks your family faces online. The resources they feature will help you explain the value of “Internet Accountability” to your family.

Accountable Kids: Explaining Covenant Eyes to your family

This guide will help you explain to your kids why you have chosen as a family to use Covenant Eyes.

Click here for the guide.

Internet Accountability at Home: A Conversation Guide for Parents

Proactive parents make a habit of talking to their children about what they see and do online. When parents monitor where their children go online using Internet Accountability Reports, Internet use is no longer a secret habit but something discussed openly at home.

Use this guide to have regular conversations with your kids about their online activity.

Click here for the guide.

2. K9 Web Protection | What do you want to protect?

3. Net Nanny | Allows the Good, Keeps Out the Bad

For computer and android.

Net Nanny is a powerful parental control and internet safety solution that helps parents protect their children and monitor their Internet use.

4. Safe Eyes – McAfee Secure

For computers/iphone/ipad/ipod/android.

Same Sex Attraction

Monica’s Cross

Courage | A Roman Catholic Apostolate

Courage is a support group for men and women who have same-sex attraction and who desire to live a chaste Christian life. The group meets once a week.

Encourage is a support group for their family and friends.The group meets once a month.

Living Catholic

Families of Character

Resources on Theology of the Body for Children

1. Forever You: A Book About Your Soul and Body by Nicole Lataif

This resource for Christian faith formation introduces children ages 4-8 to what being human is all about. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, or catechist, you will find this resource to be helpful in explaining the concept of a “soul” to your children.

For more information click here.

2. Building Blocks of ToB for Tots (3 Volume Set) by Monica Ashour

“Everybody Has a Body: God Made Boys and Girls” “Every Body Is Smart: God Helps Me Listen and Choose” “Every Body Is a Gift: God Made Us to Love”

3. Building Blocks of ToB for Kids (3 Volume Set) by Monica Ashour

“Every Body Has Something to Give” “Every Body Has Something to Say” “God Has a Plan for Boys and for Girls”

For more information click here.

5 Ways to a Stronger Family

Prayer Resources For Your Family

Single or Divorced Parents

Ministries for Divorced and Single Parents

St. John the Evangelist (Loveland): Catholic Single Parent Ministry

More information: singleparentministry15@gmail.com

St. Thomas More: Single and Raising Saints

A spiritually supportive group that provides fellowship and guidance to single-parent families as well as helps them become disciples of the Catholic faith in our neighborhoods and parish community. Cost is $15.00 for resources.

More information: Sandra Schwab, 303-221-9352 or sandras@stthomasmore.org

St. Thomas More: Surviving Divorce

Join our 12-week Surviving Divorce program, which covers shock, grief, anger, forgiveness, finances, annulment and remarriage. Cost is $15.00 for resources.

More information: Sandra Schwab, 303-221-9352 or sandras@stthomasmore.org

Spirit of Christ: Divorce Ministry

The mission of this ministry is to provide compassionate Christian education and awareness that helps those dealing with separation or divorce to heal and rebuild their lives. This group meets throughout the year on Thursdays at 7 PM.

More information: divorceministry@soc.org or http://www.spiritofchrist.org/divorce-rainbows.html

Vocation Discernment

Snuggle up and read a saint story

Watch a movie about a saint or a blessed

Talk about authentic love and defend the sacrament of marriage when it is depicted incorrectly

Archbishop’s Annual Mass for Students with Special Needs
April 22, 2018 – 2:30pm
All Saints Church
Archbishop Aquila – celebrant

Covenant Eyes offers a number of free e-books, blog posts,videos , and more to keep you informed about the risks your family faces online. The resources they feature will help you explain the value of “Internet Accountability” to your family.

“Everybody Has a Body: God Made Boys and Girls”
“Every Body Is Smart: God Helps Me Listen and Choose”
“Every Body Is a Gift: God Made Us to Love”

“Every Body Has Something to Give”
“Every Body Has Something to Say”
“God Has a Plan for Boys and for Girls”