They are trained to provide counseling in areas dealing with alcoholism and drug addiction, impotence, homosexuality or other sexuality difficulties, adolescents and their problems, anxiety, depression, fear, personal identity crisis and other individual, couple or family problems. The seminar is sometimes co-sponsored by a church parish and is highly recommended for anyone suffering loss of a loved one through death. The celebration is held at different churches, large enough to accommodate the crowds, in the Diocese. A weekend designed for couples to dialogue in private on themselves, the vitality of their marriage, their marital relationship as it relates to God and their marriage in the context of the world community is made possible by Marriage Encounter. The programs, sharing with engaged couples the beautiful concept and reality of Christian marriage, offers practical and comprehensive preparation for sacramental marriage.
Several options are available in different locations to accommodate couples wishing to be married.
Retreats are held annually to assist women in their unique role of mothering. They are held at different centers in the Diocese and feature guest speakers who address specific topics pertinent to motherhood. Opportunity is also given for mothers to share in small groups and receive support from other mothers as they face the many challenges of today's modern mom. Natural Family Planning assists couples in planning or delaying childbirth without use of artificial contraceptives. It refers to methods of family planning which depend upon knowledge of the natural cycles of the body.