Speakers and programs are planned each year, with the focus being on "Support for Families" and support for members of broken families as well. This commission has brought in speakers focusing on "Spirituality within Busy Married Lives", and the last presentation was a panel discussion on the "Effects of the Media on the Family and how to maintain a Healthy Family". This year, the commission plans to offer Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University; dates have not yet been set. Also, this year the commission will join efforts with other commissions and offer presentations on "Theology of the Body".

Engaged Couple Program is a program offered as part of Marriage Preparation to those who are preparing for Marriage within the Catholic Church. The coordinator recruits married couples within the parish who are willing to receive training and donate time to meet with couples who are planning to be married. Usually all couples meet with the pastor at least sis months in advance. At this point they are linked to a mentoring couple for discussions regarding marital issues. A part of this relationship is social and hopefully helps the couple make connections within the Catholic Community.

Mom to Mom Group is a new group that meets once a month in the mornings and welcomes mothers with young children to come together with their children and share a snack and form a solid community of support and comradery.

Bereavement Lunches are offered to all parishioners who have a loved one to die. Usually it follows a funeral and burial at the cemetery. These meals are extremely appreciated by the families at this difficult time and adds that special touch of love from the parish. There are several teams who cook the food, serve and clean up, while the parish contributes the meat.

The Family Support Group has a list of families who are on call to take meals to others in a time of crisis, (large or small), such as illnesses, surgeries, births and deaths. This group also has a committee to take responsibility for sending cards to shut-ins and all members of the parish for all occasions of celebration and in times of need for support and love.

The commission sponsored a Divorce Recovery group last year with a few attendees. The commission will be open to offering this program again if there is a need.

Marriage and Family Life Commission Members
Ana Stransky, Co-Chairperson and assumes responsibility for speakers and seminars
Pat Whitehead, Co-Chairperson and Coordinator of Engaged Couple Mentor Program
Ruth Girten, Parish Staff
Ethel Forche, Coordinator of Bereavement Meals
Amy Hatchett, Coordinator of the Singles Ministry
Suzanne Johnson
Jane Melchiors
Melissa Rudolph, Coordinator of the Mom to Mom Group
Jackie Sartore, Coordinator of the Annual Memorial Mass (All Souls Day)
Julie Vandeveer, Coordinator of the Grief Support Group